The Delhi government has finally withdrawn the extra ‘corona fee’ of 70 percent on liquor prices in the Capital. The reduced rates came into effect from 10th June, 2020. The decision to remove the fee was taken on 6th June, in a cabinet meeting. The government has also decided to increase the value-added tax (VAT) on alcohol from 20 to 25 percent. As per sources, the excise department had collected an additional amount of about a whopping ₹225 crores from the corona fee in the span of around a month and five days. Read on to know the details.
Corona Fee Of 70 Percent Withdrawn On Alcohol Prices In Delhi
Liquor shops in Delhi had opened up on 4th May 2020, after the lockdown restrictions were eased in the city. This had allowed standalone liquor, pan and tobacco shops to operate. However, the revised guidelines had stated that there should not be more than five people at one time in a shop. It had also stated that there should a minimum distance of 6-feet between the customers. However, most of the buyers were not adhering to the social distancing rules. There were kilometre-long queues outside the standalone liquor shops. To bring the situation under control, the government had imposed the ‘Special Corona Fee’ of 70 percent on 5th May on the sale of liquor in Delhi. This not only helped to reduce the crowd outside the liquor shops but also generated revenue for the government. Now, after 36 days, the corona fee has finally been withdrawn.
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What Else?
States like Jharkhand and Odisha have also started home delivery of alcohol through food delivery startups, Swiggy and Zomato. Swiggy has launched a new ‘wine shop’ category, through which people can get liquor delivered to their doorstep in these states. The apps are accepting alcohol orders from their customers only after their age and identity verifications. Selling of alcohol through these apps has generated additional profits for the liquor outlets. It has also helped to solve the problem of overcrowding. The Delhi government had also been mulling over starting similar facilities, but no confirmation about the same has been given yet.
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The reduction in alcohol prizes is definitely a sigh of relief for the tipplers. Also, now you’ll be able to save some extra bucks on your house parties.