New Delhi: The Delhi government has decided to allow opening of liquor shops in ‘non-conforming’ areas such as non-approved markets of the city, according to a document by the Excise Department. Meanwhile, most of the 850 privatized liquor shops that started retailing from November 17 could not open for the second consecutive day of the new excise regime.
They were either being revamped as per the guidelines or were found closed, even as people complained of lack of supplies.
The Delhi Excise Department, in a circular issued on Wednesday, has specified the conditions for opening of liquor shops in ‘non-conforming’ areas which are largely unauthorized colonies. It said that the Delhi cabinet in its meeting held on 5 November had decided to open liquor shops in these areas. The circular issued by the department states that applications for grant of L-7V license (authorizing retail sale of Indian and foreign liquor) may be considered, provided that a ‘non-conforming’ area exists in that particular ward. , in which the licensee is planning to open. Store.
The circular states that two shops may be allowed to open in wards with non-conforming areas. The L-7Z (for retail sale of Indian liquor) may be allowed to open two mandatory shops on the basis of an affidavit to be submitted by the licensee that the ward has a non-conforming area. If a ‘conforming’ area is found in any municipal ward, the L-7Z licensee shall be bound to shift his vend to a conforming area within 30 days from the date of issue of the notice by the department, read the circular. Shops in these non-conforming areas should have a minimum carpet area of 500 square feet. Opening of retail outlets in non-conforming area is subject to obtaining requisite approvals by the licensee from the DDA and the concerned civic body, as applicable as per rules.
The department has already informed about the procedure to be followed by the licensee for grant of L-7V license. The process for granting L-7V licenses in non-conforming areas will be similar. Regional retail licensees are requested to immediately apply for grant of L-7V license for vendors falling under municipal wards having non-conforming area. The circular states that the applicant has to submit a physical copy of the application form along with all the documents.
Meanwhile, the city witnessed a shortfall in the supply of liquor on the second day of the new liquor regime, with many people struggling to get their liquor. Under the new policy, 849 plush mall-like liquor shops with walk-in facilities, where people can choose the liquor of their choice, are to be opened.
Shops were being reopened in areas like INA, South Extension, Alaknanda near Tara Apartments and Mayur Vihar, and were not open for business. However, sale of liquor was registered at some shops in areas like Dwarka, Loni, Govind Puri etc. I have no stock left as I only got stock of one whiskey brand on Wednesday evening which got sold out. A liquor dealer in Dwarka Sector 12 told PTI that there is shortfall in supply and this is likely to continue for a few days. Due to lack of stock, people had to return empty handed from many shops. Dealers do not have stock, so people are returning from shops without alcohol. I could buy liquor only by visiting 5-6 shops in different areas. Gaurav Verma, who came to buy liquor at the shop in Govind Puri, said that the government should have made adequate arrangements. Alok Kaushik, another user of South Extension, shared a similar experience.
I visited a few shops in South Extension, INA but all are still being revamped. Kaushik said that all this work should have been done earlier. According to government officials, around 350 shops have been given provisional licenses and over 200 brands have been registered with 10 wholesale licensees. He said that the wholesale licensees have procured nine lakh liters of liquor of various brands. The new excise policy allows opening of five super-premium retail stores across Delhi with an area of 2500 sq ft. Wine tasting facility will also be developed at these super-premium retailers.
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