It is tipplers’ delight. Now, Delhiites can enjoy drink till 3 am. The Delhi government has made its new excise policy public, permitting hotels, clubs and restaurants in the national capital to serve Indian or foreign liquor in any area within the licensed premises till 3 am. According to Delhi government, the move is to clean up malpractices, and improve customer experience.
The new policy allows microbreweries to supply draught beer to bars and also provide takeaway services. It said that wherever draught beer is being served as a takeaway, clear signage and information will be needed to put up about its short shelf life and the bottles will have to mention the expiry date clearly. Although there were reports that legal drinking age will be reduced from 25 to 21, it has not been done so far.
The policy stated that draught beer shall also be allowed to be served at permitted events, banquet halls that have temporary licences such as P-10, P-10E etc. The policy clearly states that establishments found selling draught beer after its expiry date will immediately have its license revoked.
The AAP-led Delhi government has already made it clear that the new excise policy has been framed promoting private players in the business up to 100 per cent. Keeping in view the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) protocols in place, the new policy strictly prohibits crowding outside a vendor on the pavement and buying through the counter.
Policy will also allow bars in hotels, restaurants and clubs to operate till 3 a.m., “except those licensees which have been given license to operate round the clock service of liquor.”
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