Delhi Plans To Start Home Delivery Of Liquor

On 4th May, by the order of the central government, many liquor shops opened which led to long queues and chaos on the streets. People almost forgot social distancing norms to stock booze during lockdown. Therefore, a number of states have now decided on home delivery of liquor to contain the spread of the virus. The list of the states that have taken the lead are West Bengal, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Delhi.

In an attempt to reduce overcrowding at standalone liquor shops during lockdown, right after Punjab, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh decided on a doorstep delivery of liquor, the Delhi government is also discussing the same possibility.

After the Centre permitted reopening of liquor shops on Monday, people gathered in large numbers outside liquor stores. The stores had opened after 40 days since the imposition of lockdown. At some places, the police had to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. While some liquor stores were shut later on official orders after people thronged them.

Also read: Liquor Shops To Be Shut From Today In Mumbai; Only Essential Shops Will Be Open

Proposal To Delhi Government

“Delhi chief secretary has asked excise commissioner Ravi Dhawan to prepare a detailed proposal on doorstep delivery of liquor and submit to the government at the earliest,” a senior Delhi government official was reported as saying.

On Tuesday, the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the apex body of the Indian alcoholic beverage industry, had also asked the government to permit home delivery of liquor in several areas of the national capital.

States That Started With Home Delivery

In Punjab, home delivery of liquor started from today. The state government clarified that the service will continue during the duration of the lockdown only. People can order doorstep delivery of liquor from 9 am till 7 pm.

Also read: A ‘Special Corona Fee’ Of 70 Percent Will Now Imposed On Liquor MRP In Delhi

While West Bengal has launched a website for people above 21 years of age where orders for liquor can be placed. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh has decided to provide liquor home delivery using a software application.

After Punjab, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Delhi, let’s see when states like Maharashtra, UP, Rajasthan etc will join this league in the coming days.