Delhi government has approved the home delivery of liquor, both Indian and foreign, in the capital today. Ever since the lockdown was announced in Delhi, liquor shops (coming under the category of non-essential service) have had their shutters closed/partially closed.
This put a lot of financial strain on the shop owners who lost their steady source of income. This move was no less difficult for the millions of people of the city who consider alcohol as their tonic for all life problems (flashback to the viral video where the middle-aged lady said how alcohol is her cure for COVID).
And we definitely cannot ignore that this leads to loss of income for the government. The excise duty on alcohol amounts to a major chunk of tax collection in the country. Restricting the liquor sale for too long only deteriorates the financial health of the nation.
From the first week of May, neighborhood liquor stores were allowed to operate within a certain time frame. But, this could do more harm than cure.
No one is a stranger to the overcrowding outside desi thekas and thus, opening the shop for only selected hours means numerous people coming at the same time to stock the alcohol. There goes your social distancing rules out the window!
Read More: Despite Huge Revenue From Alcohol, Why Does India Not Have A Uniform Drinking Age?
Home Delivery Of Liquor – The Best Solution
The only plausible solution where all parties could be satisfied without endangering their lives from the virus was the home delivery of liquor. It is one of the safest ways to ensure that the social distancing norms are not being flouted.
In a country as big and vast as ours, people do not shy away from taking shortcuts anyway. Asking for home delivery using jugaads and connections never stops, not even on dry days. Taking such indirect measures only leads to the deepening of black market transactions, something that the government is actively trying to fight.
Hence, a legal and approved way of home delivery was a decision long-awaited, and now it is finally here. The phrase “Better late than never” never seemed to make more sense.
How To Get Liquor Delivered To Your Doorstep?
Order can be made through a mobile app or web portal only. It is also important to note that not all liquor stores in the city are permitted to do home delivery.
As per the Delhi Excise (Amendment) Rules, 2021, only those sellers who have an L-13 license can carry out this activity. No sale is allowed at universities, offices, or hostels.
According to the Delhi Excise Act, 2009 and Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, buying and selling liquor online is considered an offense. However, the government assures that there is already a provision in place that permits the sale of liquor online.
This decision comes as a huge respite for the citizens of the city. It will boost the financial health of the economy and provide the tonic that the citizens need so desperately in these trying times.
Image Sources: Google Images
Sources: Indian Express, The Quint, New Indian Express
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This post is tagged under: home delivery of liquor, delhi government, arvind kejriwal, alcohol, liquor shops, alcohol consumption, black market, social distancing rules, long queues outside liquor shops, lockdown in delhi, lockdown guidelines, are alcohol shops open in lockdown, how to get home delivery of liquor in delhi
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