Delhi’s new excise policy reduced ‘dry days’ to 3, opposition denied
The Delhi government on Monday issued a new excise policy, reducing ‘dry days’ to just three from last year’s 21, according to an official order issued on Monday. The order issued by the Excise Department of the Delhi government said that licensed liquor shops and opium shops will remain closed on Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15) and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.
“In pursuance of the provisions of Rule 52 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, it is ordered that the following dates shall be observed as “Dry Days” by the Excise Department and all licensees of opium shops in the National Capital Territory of Delhi Located in Delhi for the year 2022,” it lists Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti as the days when the sale of alcohol will not be allowed.
The order said that the ban on sale of liquor on dry days would not apply to the service of liquor to those staying in L-15 licenced hotels.
Opposition condemned the decision of Delhi government
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, with the BJP and Congress saying the move is aimed at boosting the sale of liquor in the city. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was already opposing the new excise policy, saying it promotes the opening of liquor shops in residential areas. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said that with the reduction in dry days, the Arvind Kejriwal government is promoting the consumption of alcohol, especially among the youth.
Liquor vendors appreciated the decision
An apex body of the alcoholic beverages industry on Monday lauded the Delhi government for its decision to reduce the number of days to three days from last year’s 21, saying the “unethical discrepancy” has been removed. Vinod Giri, Director General, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) welcomed the move.
“This is indeed a very welcome move, which is in line with the modern city of Delhi’s international nature. There was no point in Delhi having such a high number of dry days, especially in neighboring states. Appreciate the Delhi government for rectifying the chronological discrepancy.
(with PTI inputs)
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