The coronavirus lockdown has been extended to May 17 keeping in view the COVID-19 cases who are still on a surge. The Delhi government has however started the process of allowing standalone liquor shops to reopen in the national capital, a coronavirus “red zone”, from May 3.
The Home Ministry has said that except in containment areas, standalone liquor shops can open in all zones, including “green”, where there are no coronavirus cases, and medium-risk “orange” areas.
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The Delhi government has asked all liquor shops run by its departments such as DTTDC, the tourism wing of the national capital, to give details about standalone shops that are eligible to reopen.
“I am directed to request you to provide lists of L-6 and L-8 shops immediately, which conform to the criteria prescribed by Ministry of Home Affairs…” Assistant Excise Commissioner Ashok Daryani said in a letter to the government corporations that are allowed to sell liquor across the city.
L-6 license for liquor sales is given to undertakings of the Delhi government – DTTDC, DSIDC, DSCSC and DCCWS and these agencies can issue license to those who want to use their premises to sell liquor.
At least 381 liquor-selling licenses were issued by the Delhi government in 2019, data on the excise department’s website shows.
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