E-Tokens Launched For Liquor Purchase In Delhi To Maintain Social Distance: How To Get Yours

Delhi starts e-token system for the sale of alcohol to curb the crowd at liquor stores. Find out how to apply for the e-token.

New Delhi: A customer carries liquor bottles after purchasing from a wine shop, during ongoing COVID-19 lockdown at Chander Nagar in east Delhi, (PTI Photo: Manvender Vashist)

New Delhi: The Delhi government is starting an e-token system for the sale of alcohol to curb the crowd at liquor stores. Alcohol sales are important for the economy as the sale of commodities like oil is down due to the lockdown. Earlier this week, when the liquor stores open for the first time since the lockdown there were huge crowds waiting for them waiting even before the sun came up. The crowd also forgot everything about social distancing and hygiene measures in the wait which is why the government had to come up with e-tokens and home delivery services to curb the crowd. According to an IANS report, the Delhi government on Thursday launched an e-token service with a time slot for people to buy alcohol at any nearby store. The Delhi government said in a statement that it took this decision to encourage people to avoid long queues by applying for an e-token. Even after the government imposed a 'Special Corona fee' on liquor -- which hiked prices by a whopping 70 percent -- long queues continued at the shops. "Any person can apply for an e-token through the link https://www.qtoken.in. While applying, the name and phone number of the applicant will be required and the e-coupon will be sent at the registered mobile number. Through that e-token, the person will be allowed to buy liquor from the nearby shops," the statement said. However, the website crashed within a few hours of its launch.

• To apply for the e-token, a customer must visit the website, you have to enter the details based on your government ID card. You will also have to mention the name and address of the liquor store closest to you. You will receive the e-token which will include the time and date to go to the store.

The benefit of the e-token is that in an hour only 50 persons are allowed to the store, this will ensure social distancing, there is a separate line for those who have an e-token and a separate for those who don’t. Also Watch: Booking alcohol via e-token starts in Delhi to avoid crowding Many states are taking new and different measures to control the crowd. Madhya Pradesh’s Hoshangabad district has opted for indelible ink to keep people purchasing liquor according to a report. The ink is to trace people in the future; additionally, people will have to mention their name, number, and address at the liquor store. In Chhattisgarh, people can order liquor through apps and websites to be delivered to their doorstep. According to a report, the International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) all major states are trying to implement home delivery options. Alcohol on an average across India contributes about 25% to the overall revenues of states. It must be over 40% because the revenue from GST and oil revenues are jammed. Alcohol revenue is the only revenue states are getting now to provide a safety net for the poorest sections of the society, as said by the member of ISWAI. Home delivery can be done through food and groceries delivering companies like Zomato and Swiggy, which is up for the state’s discretion. But home delivery is the best option for the government to generate revenue while keeping social distancing measures in mind.