Organising a Party

Parties are fun, right? It won’t be as much fun if you have the police knocking on the door, or if your neighbours are angry with you the next day.

Your party – who do you tell?

You should tell your close neighbours when you are going to have a party and at what time you expect it to finish; this can stop complaints. If you plan to have music outside, tell your neighbours, and also tell them what time you will turn the outside music off.
Your family should also be aware of the arrangements you have made. If you are renting your house, you should inform your landlord if you are organizing a party.


If you are below the age of 16, you should inform someone senior so they are aware and can respond to ‘gatecrashers’ or any other mischief. Police will not generally attend the party unless there is a request from the person throwing the party, a concerned parent or a neighbour; or it is in the public interest in order to maintain community order and safety.

Your party - the guest list.

You may want to consider who you want at your party. Inviting your friends? Great! Inviting friends of friends of friends? Not so much.

  • You might consider having some form of security to prevent “gatecrashers”.
  • Make sure you only send invitations via private avenues where members of the public cannot access your details. For example, if you invite your friends through a Facebook event, make sure it’s set to private.
  • You could keep a guest list and make sure only invited guests are allowed in.
  • Make sure you have adequate adult supervision at the venue.

Music – how loud can it be?

You must be respectful of your neighbours’ right to enjoy their peace and quiet. If you play music (inside or outside of your house) it must be at a level that does not interfere with any of your neighbours.

For example, if your neighbours can clearly hear it inside their house or if you can’t have a regular conversation over the music, it is too loud. If you play music inside, keep all windows and doors closed. If you have speakers outside of the house, make sure they are not facing directly towards your neighbours, and make sure you turn the outside music off at the time you told your neighbours you would.Depending on the volume, intensity and duration of the music and the time it is played you could be fined for excessive noise levels Playing loud music after 10 PM is not allowed.
For more information, please http://kspcb.kar.nic.in/DIRECTIONS-Noise-supreme%20court.pdf


If you plan on throwing a party with music, consider the followings tips:

  • Close all windows and doors if playing music inside;
  • Don’t place speakers outside of the house;
  • Don’t let the party run too late; and
  • Let the neighbours know you are having a party in advance and let them know what time you expect the party to finish.

Alcohol – can you drink it?

Whether you can consume alcohol or not, depends on your age and your personal choice. The legal drinking age differs from state to state, and may vary depending on the type of alcohol, but you are definitely not allowed to drink alcohol if you are under 18.
If you are under 18 and you drink alcohol you could be charged with underage drinking.

Supplying alcohol to anyone under 18 is illegal. If a parent or other adult buys alcohol for anyone under 18 they can also be charged.

Whatever your age you should never leave your drink unattended. Drink spiking (with drugs or alcohol) is illegal, but does take place. Where possible you should watch your drink being made and never accept an opened drink from anyone you don’t know or trust.