66 Private Liquor Stores Set To Open In Delhi, Shops Will Follow Odd-Even Rule

The Delhi government has allowed 66 private stores to open in Delhi but the shops will follow the odd-even rule. The stores will operate from 9 am to 6.30 pm.

Representational Picture (AFP)

New Delhi: Booze lovers will get further respite amid the ongoing Lockdown 4.0 as the Delhi government has allowed 66 private liquor stores to reopen but the shops have to follow the odd-even rule. According to a report by PTI the state excise department gave permission to the shops and an official has said that the stores have so far complied with government orders. Following the current lockdown 4.0 rules, that restrict all activities from 7 PM to 7 AM, the shops will operate from 9 am to 6.30 pm. However, this exemption will not apply to liquor stores in malls. The report says that out of the 863 liquor shops in Delhi, 475 are run by four government corporations- Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation and Delhi Consumer's Cooperative Wholesale Store. There are 389 privately owned stores in the state out of which 150 are in malls. The Delhi government is also charging 70 percent ‘Special Corona Fee' on liquor. Hopes of booze lovers were increased when reports came that the government intends to remove the fee but the Spokesperson of Aam Aadmi Party, Delhi, Ghanendra Bharadwaj confirmed that there were no such plans. India is currently in the fourth phase of a lockdown or Lockdown 4.0 which has more relaxation than the previous three. According to the new regulations, activities are still not permitted in the containment zone and this will include the opening of liquor shops.