New Delhi:
The legal drinking age in Delhi has been lowered from 25 to 21, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia reported on Monday. In announcing a new alcoholic beverages policy, he said the Delhi government expects an increase of at least 20 percent in its annual excise tax revenue with the reforms.
Sisodia said the government has decided to close state liquor stores. He also announced that no new liquor stores will open in the national capital.
“The new policy of special taxes was approved today by the Cabinet based on the recommendations of the Group of Ministers. It was decided that no new liquor stores will be opened in the national capital and the government will not operate any liquor stores. Currently, El 60 percent of liquor stores in Delhi are run by the government, “Sisodia told a news conference.
Sisodia said the reforms will end the role of the liquor mafia in the city.
“In Delhi, 850 liquor stores are licensed by the government. But the liquor mafia runs 2,000 illegal stores … in the past two years, more than 7 lakh of illegal liquor bottles have been seized, 1939 people arrested,” he said.
“The government will guarantee an equitable distribution of liquor stores so that the liquor mafia is expelled from the trade. Revenue growth of 20 percent is estimated after the reforms in the excise department,” he added.
Under the new rules, the minimum area allowed for a liquor store will be 500 square feet. The front door of any such store will not open onto the street.
Liquor stores must be built in accordance with international standards. Store owners will need to ensure that it is not drunk in public near their stores.
People under 21 years of age will not be allowed to enter the liquor stores.
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