Delhi gov reverses new excise policy, allows only govt-run establishments to sell alcohol from August 1
30 July, 2022 | Riya Girdhar
He stated that the number of alcohol stores will not exceed 850, as was the case under the previous policy. However, it was unclear whether dry days would increase or remain constant.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, the number of alcohol stores will not exceed 850, as was the case under the previous policy. However, it was unclear whether dry days would increase or remain constant.
Amid an ongoing investigation by the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and a standoff between the Lieutenant Governor and the Delhi government, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced on Saturday that the government had to reverse the new excise policy and that liquor would only be sold in government outlets beginning August 1.
“We have decided to end the new policy and have directed that government shops open… I have directed the chief secretary to ensure that there is no corruption in government shops and that no illegal alcohol is sold in Delhi… I have directed that there be no chaos during the transition period,” Sisodia said at a press conference.
He stated that the number of alcohol stores will not exceed 850, as was the case under the previous policy. However, it was unclear whether dry days would increase or remain constant.
“In Gujarat, alcohol is prohibited, but illegal liquor (nakli sharab) worth thousands of crores is sold there, taking the government for a ride,” Sisodia said, referring to the BJP. It is spurious liquor that has caused people to die… Ye saara dhanda inke hi log chalate hain (This entire business is run by their people… There have been numerous cases of people dying, but this illegal sale of liquor continues to thrive; this is the Gujarat model.”
“The other option is the Delhi model.” Last year, our government implemented a new excise policy, prior to which alcohol was sold in government outlets that were prone to corruption – from brand pushing to a variety of other things. Some shops were private, but they were given to their friends in exchange for a very low licence fee. “We ended this system and began a new policy,” he explained.
“Many others will follow suit beginning August 1.” Their goal is to make alcohol scarce in Delhi. “Their goal is to continue reducing the amount of legal liquor sold in Delhi… They want to encourage the sale of illegal, non-duty paid, and spurious liquor… They have threatened even Delhi government officials in the name of the ED and CBI that they will not issue tenders or licences for shops that are being vacated,” he added.