The Delhi government allows restaurants and pubs to serve alcohol in open spaces.

The permission is granted for home delivery and open space service of liquor with restrictions under the Delhi Excise (Amendment) Rules, 2021.

The Delhi government permitted the license holders of restaurants, pubs, and other establishments to serve liquor in open spaces such as terraces, balconies, and their premises' courtyards, restricting the serving area screened off from public view. Holders of the relevant licenses are permitted under the Delhi Excise (Amendment) Rules, 2021, announced in a gazette notification on May 31, 2021. It is the licensee's sole responsibility to ensure that the customer does not take the liquor "out of the licensed premises." The service in hotels other than to the customer's rooms is prohibited.

The Finance Department of Delhi had issued a notice on May 25 for the amendment of Delhi Excise Rules, 2010. The notification said the license would be given to hotel management institutes or other teaching institutes recognized by the government.

The notification further permitted the "home delivery of liquor" by ordering through a mobile app or online web portal under the amended excise rules. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies(CIABC) director-general Vinod Giri expressed that it was a "consistent demand" from them to the government. He added, various states had already implemented home delivery services and saw "no adverse effect," reported the Hindu.

Permission is granted for "the sale of medicated wine." Licensee shall not sell any article covered by his license in greater quantity than 9 liters or twelve-quart bottles at one time. Chemist's licensee, government, and charitable dispensaries are allowed to buy a larger quantity.

The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) president Anurag Katriar said the amendments were some of the "recommendations that the NRAI had recently submitted to the Delhi government." Further, Katrair called it a "progressive policy," reported the Indian Express.

Zorawar Kalra, founder and director of Massive Restaurants, and Rahul Singh, founder, and CEO of The Beer Cafe, expressed their views on services in open spaces as a safe and confident step with customers getting fresh air or sunshine amid the lockdown.

According to the Hindu, these steps are to help to boost Delhi's economy. Delhi has been facing lockdown since April 19.

Reference links

Gazette of India Notifications

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The Hindu

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The Indian Express

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