Delhi Government slashes discounts, alcohol to get costlier again

There has been a big blow to the liquor consumers recently, as the Delhi's Excise Department has ordered to discontinue the discounts offered on alcohol bottles. This decision has been taken by the Department as several liquor stores in the city witnessed long queues, which lead to law and order problems. Besides, the excise department also stated that the Covid situation persists, and luring customers by giving heavy discounts will not help in containing the virus. (Images courtesy: iStock)

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As per the Excise Department, “It has been brought to the notice of the Department that as a result of discounts being offered by the licenses through their retail vends, there are instances reported of large crowds gathering outside the liquor stores, which is leading to law and order problems and causing inconvenience to the local population of an area. It is also to be kept in mind that the Covid situation is not yet over and the danger of Covid-19 persists. Therefore, the huge crowds are likely to aggravate the rise in the Covid cases in Delhi.”

As per the new order given by Delhi’s Excise Department, “The licensees must stop giving concessions, rebates, or discounts with immediate effect and warned of action against shops offering them.” Further, the Delhi government said it is discontinuing the discount as it leads to unhealthy market practices deployed purely for short-term business gains by some of the licensees and is leading to the distortions of the market.