In a big relief to tipplers in the national Capital and a move that is sure to boost the city’s night life, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government in Delhi has allowed bars in hotels, clubs, and restaurants to operate till 3 AM. However, the expected move to lower the legal drinking age from 25 to 21 does not find mention in the Delhi Government’s latest version of the new excise policy that was updated on July 5. According to a Delhi Government official, the lowering of the drinking age in the national Capital will be discussed in a special session of the Delhi Assembly. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the Excise portfolio, had announced new excise policy on March 22, despite strong objections from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the possibility of lowering of the drinking age in Delhi. The BJP fears that it may increase the crime rate in the city.
As per the policy document, in order to augment the source of revenue and fulfil some of the long-standing demands of booze lovers in the city, the AAP administration has made a few changes, including inviting private players, walk-in experience at alcohol shops, discount on MRP, promoting microbreweries and the extension of the timing of bars in hotels, clubs and restaurants till 3 AM, except for those licensees who have been given the licence to operate round-the-clock liquor service.
While Delhi has now 32 zones including the Delhi Cantonment and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), as per the new rules, every vend shall provide a walk-in experience and the shops will be designed accordingly. The Delhi Government has already floated tenders for L-7V (Indian and foreign liquor) in these 32 zones.
As announced the city Government will have no interference in retail liquor trade and now private players will take a lead in the liquor industry.
Interestingly, with the participation of private players, as per the policy document, every liquor outlet in the city shall have to provide a walk-in experience to its customers who will have multiple choices of brands, and the entire selection and sale process will be completed within the vend premise. “Such retail vends that will be air-conditioned will have glass doors. Customers will not be allowed to crowd outside a vend or on the pavement and buy through the counter,” the document said.
CCTVs have been made mandatory inside and outside the shop and owners have to maintain the recording footage of one month span.
“Security arrangements will be provided by the licensee in and around each vend as he will be responsible for the law and order and security around their shop,” the policy document said.
Moreover, Delhiites will be able to fill their bottles with fresh brewed beer from any microbrewery in the city as the policy allows microbreweries to supply draught beer to bars. “Draught beer shall be allowed to be taken away in bottles or growlers. Microbreweries shall also be allowed to supply to other bars and restaurants that have the licence to serve liquor,” it read.