“Dry days’ likely to come back in Delhi under the old excise regime

As liquor vends operated by the Delhi government open on September 1 under the old excise regime, rebates and “one-plus-one” bargains will expire, and previous norms like 21 “dry days” are expected to return, authorities said Friday.

However, they added that for a better customer experience, there would be premium vending machines for expensive booze and self-service shops where clients may choose their preferred brands from off the shelf.

The Delhi government has given the four corporations, DTTDC, DSIIDC, DCCWS, and DSSC, the responsibility of opening 500 liquor vends altogether by August 31.

Additionally, each company will operate five premium vends. By year’s end, the corporations will be in charge of operating 700 different booze vending machines.

On August 31, the excise policy under which the city’s private liquor vends are now operated expires. From September 1, only the Delhi government companies will operate retail liquor vends; private players won’t be allowed.

A document from the excise department states that holders of the L-6 (government-run stores) licence are required to only sell alcohol at the pricing set by the excise commissioner and displayed on the bottle labels.

The document also stated that the any undercharging or overcharging will be considered as a violation of terms and conditions and licence will be liable to be cancelled

The alcohol vending machines will be open from 10 am to 10 pm. They will remain closed on all dry days.

The government-run liquor vends will be located in nearby shopping malls or other commercial buildings and will have carpet areas of at least 300 square feet.

A group made up of excise officers will inspect the proposed vending site.

The distance between the liquor outlets and important houses of worship, educational institutions, and hospitals with 50 beds will be at least 100 metres.

(With inputs from PTI)

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