Now order full liquor bottle on table in Delhi clubs
Delhiites will soon have an option to order a full bottle of liquor on their tables in hotels and clubs as a Group of Ministers headed by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia recommended several steps that are part of excise reforms. Currently, people having drinks at these establishments are served liquor as pegs in the national capital.
Clubs to ensure no one takes liquor bottles off premises
In its report, the GoM said it will be the clubs' responsibility to ensure that no customer takes the served bottles out of the premises. There are over 1,000 hotels and clubs in Delhi which have an excise license to serve liquor. "The service of the full bottle on the table will ensure service of quality liquor to the customers," it stated.
Additional dispensing counters permitted against a fee
The GoM said these establishments may be allowed to have additional dispensing counters against payment of five percent of the applicable license fee per additional counter. The liquor service in open spaces like a terrace, balcony, lower area of restaurant, clubs, and hotels will be allowed. All establishments will be permitted two counters without any additional charge, it added.
Restaurant and club timings will be increased
"Timings of bars in restaurants and clubs may be increased to be at par with neighboring cities like Noida. Additionally, hotels, clubs, and restaurants will have to place purchase orders only from retail vendors instead of wholesalers," the GoM said.
Licensees will be permitted to play all types of music
During a press conference on Monday, Sisodia said the Delhi Cabinet has accepted the recommendations made by the GoM. The report further said conditions related to playing Music/DJ under the conduct of business, as mentioned in Rule 53(4) of Excise Rules are archaic. "Licensees will be permitted to play all types of music, including live bands without creating nuisance in the neighborhood," it said.
Draught beer can be taken away in bottles or growlers
The GoM also recommended that draught beer will be allowed to be taken away in bottles or growlers as applicable in other states like Punjab and Karnataka. It said the move will help fuel the micro-brewery industry and added that draught beer can now be served at events like wedding functions and parties that have sought a license to serve liquor to their guests.
Wedding, party venues can opt for a one-time annual fee
As part of excise reforms, the GoM also said that banquet halls, party places, farmhouses, motels, and others will be offered a one-time annual fee. It further said that no separate P-10 license will be required to serve liquor to the guests at any event being conducted at these venues once the yearly license is acquired.
One-time P-10E license fee will be Rs. 50,000 per event
For an in-house party or a function in any community center, the P-10 fee will be applicable at Rs. 10,000 irrespective of the number of guests. "To serve liquor in banquet halls, party places, farmhouses, wedding/party/event venues the one-time P-10E license fee will be Rs. 50,000 per event, if the said venue does not hold a regular license," the report said.
Government-run liquor stores to shut down in Delhi
Lowering the legal drinking age to 21 from 25 years and the government withdrawing from running liquor vends are among other features of an excise policy approved by the AAP dispensation on Monday. The measures are expected to increase annual revenue by 20 percent. The government decided to shut all its shops as they were generating less income in comparison to private liquor stores.
