To ensure social distancing, the Delhi government on 7th May, launched an e-token facility to buy liquor in Delhi. In an attempt to avoid overcrowding at liquor shops, this decision was taken to allow people to book a time slot for buying alcohol.
What Is It
The Delhi government has started issuing e-tokens, has specified stores and timings, for residents on its web link.
After 40 days of complete lockdown, the Delhi government on Monday allowed the reopening of around 172 liquor shops. But people thronged the stores and violated social distancing norms despite COVID-19 threat. The next day, the rates of liquor were raised by 70 per cent, still large crowds gathered were seen to buy alcohol. Therefore, this e-token service has started to avoid the chaos as much as possible.
Also read: A ‘Special Corona Fee’ Of 70 Percent Will Now Imposed On Liquor MRP In Delhi
Procedure To Get E-Token
Now, tipplers would not have to spend several hours waiting in long queues to buy liquor in Delhi. Any person can apply for an e-token through the link. This is the web link that the government released ‘https://www.qtoken.in/’. Only name and phone number will be required to apply for the slot and the e-token will be sent to the registered mobile number. According to officials, only 50 tokens will be issued per shop per hour to keep the number of customers in check.
The designated time slot will also be mentioned on the e-token to buy liquor from the nearby shops.
There will be two different queues at liquor shops- one for people with tokens and one for those who don’t have it.
Other Measures To Be Followed
The Central government had allowed some relaxations in Lockdown 3.0, including the sale of liquor. After social distancing norms went for a toss, the Excise department directed the corporations dealing in the retail of liquor to take measures. It includes e-tokens, barricading, and deployment of marshals to ensure that such norms were followed at the shops.
The e-token will help in maintaining social distance and cut down on waiting time in long queues for buyers.
“Though the government continued its deliberations over home delivery of liquor and a decision is likely to be taken by the weekend. The chief secretary has already asked the excise commissioner to chalk out a plan at the earliest”, a senior official was reported as saying.
With this, we can also expect to hear about the home delivery of liquor in the capital very soon.