The Delhi Government’s Excise Department warned liquor vends, clubs, hotels against selling liquor during lockdown period.
In its order, Delhi Excise Commissioner Ravi Dhawan said all the licensee such as clubs, hotels, restaurants, wholesale and liquor outlets are warned against indulging in unlawful activities of sale of liquor during the lockdown until further orders.
Incidentally, this move came after the establishments were found smuggling liquor from their premises. The order reads, “Strict action, including cancellation of license and blacklisting, will be taken.”
With liquor vends, clubs and other such establishments shut since the nationwide lockdown, the Delhi Police and the Excise Department have cracked down on those indulging in selling or transporting alcohol illegally, and seized nearly 8,400 liquor bottles of different brands.
According to government officials, 14 people have been arrested including a Delhi Police constable and milk man for allegedly transporting liquor. The excise department had raided a club in Punjabi Bagh area in west Delhi for selling alcohol at a higher rate during the lockdown.
In a separate raid, the department seized 6,100 bottles, including some high-end brands and carton.