By Avinash Prabhakar New Delhi, Aug 20 : Delhi’s new liquor policy promised a complete overhaul of not just the sales of alcohol but also the consumption in the capital city.
The policy was then withdrawn in the first 8 months of its implementation amid accusations of corruption and favoritism in the granting of liquor licences.
Delhi is now ready to go back to the previous excise policy starting on September 1.
The new excise tax policy that was introduced on November 17 last year has been scathingly critiqued by both the Opposition and experts from the industry for a variety of reasons.
In the new policies, retail licenses were awarded to private bidders for 849 vends throughout the city, which was split into 32 zones.The Opposition had filed complaint with the Lieutenant Governor, in addition to soliciting the Central authorities to launch an investigation into it.
In the past, 11 of the 32 liquor retailers in the zone have given up their licenses due to non-profitable business models because of lower revenues as well as unfair competition.
The citizens of Delhi are experiencing a shortage of alcohol of their choice because there is a shortage of supply in many stores across the city.
Around 460 shops are in operation in the capital city of the nation which is expected to have 850 outlets to cater to its inhabitants.
Many of the provisions of the newly introduced excise policy , such as decreasing the age limit for drinking alcohol bars and restaurants that are open until 3 am as well as home delivery of liquor were not put into effect due to opposition from the Opposition.
Due to the nature of the protests that took place at various locations throughout the city, the introduction of the plan was sluggish and also the vendors were in the red as they had already secured their respective licenses during the bidding process.
“The excise law was and is fundamentally sound.
It is a new and progressive approach to the sale and consumption of alcohol that is appropriate for the modern city like Delhi is.However, the actual implementation was not as successful.It was slow to be implemented in sections and ineffective in breaking away from the past of bureaucratic indifference to trade.Additionally the scope of the zones was simply too big.” according to an industry professional under the the condition of anonymity.
However, the capital city will return to the former excise starting on September 1st for a time of six months until the new excise policy is implemented.
In the previous excise policy four government entities -DSCSC, DTTDC, DSIIDC, and DCCWS DSIIDC, DTTDC, DCCWS and DSCSC — will once more hold a major share in operating the liquor business in the city.
According to reports the four companies will be given the responsibility of opening liquor stores throughout the city.
Delhi is expected to have 500 stores of liquor from next month to cater to customers.
avr/arm
