Delhi govt ends discounts on liquor to stop queues at stores; all you need to know

An official notification from the Delhi government's excise department stated, "It has been brought to the notice of the department that as a result of the discounts being offered by the licences through their retail vends, there are instances reported of large crowds gathering outside the liquor stores leading to law and order problem and causing inconvenience to local population of an area." It added, "It is also to be kept in mind that the Covid situation is not yet over and the danger of COVID-19 still persists and therefore, the huge crowds are likely to aggravate the rise in cases in Delhi."

The Delhi government's Excise Department orders discontinuation of discounts/rebate/concession on MRP of liquor in the national capital. pic.twitter.com/pF6ouqnMSB

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2022

The Delhi government, in its Monday notification, also recognised that offering a discount on the MRP of liquor was leading to "unhealthy market practices deployed purely for short-term business gains by some licencees". It said, “Licensees are seen indulging in various promotional activities through social media and banners / hoardings being placed outside the stores which is a non-permissible activity under the Delhi Excise Act, 2009 and Delhi Excise Rules, 2010... This was not the intent while allowing discounts under the new excise regime."