New Delhi: Liquor at the table in restaurants and in hotel rooms in Delhi will be served even as the bars will remain closed, the government said on Thursday.
“Considering the revenue implications, Excise Department to issue necessary permission for service of liquor in the restaurants and clubs by licencees at the table and in the hotel rooms,” the Delhi government order said.
The order which was signed by the Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said under the Unlock guidelines, the Delhi government has allowed operation of restaurants subject to social distancing norms.
“In the Disaster Management Authority meeting held on August 19, the government has also allowed opening of hotels. Bars will remain closed under the Unlock guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs,” it said.
“However, several state governments including Assam, Punjab, and Rajasthan have permitted service of liquor by licencee holders under the Excise Rules at the table in the restaurants and clubs and in the hotel rooms,” the order said.
However, Delhi is now following the example of some states which have allowed liquor to be served. This is also necessitated by the burgeoning revenue loss that the states are facing as economic activity was disrupted during the lockdown and even after Unlock, is only just picking up.
