The legal drinking age in Delhi has been reduced from 25 to 21, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Monday. Announcing the new liquor policy, he said that the Delhi government was hoping to increase its annual excise duty by at least 20 percent with the reforms.
Mr. Sisodia said that the Delhi government will not run liquor shops. He also announced that no new liquor shops would be opened in the national capital.
Ministers Recommendation
"Based on the recommendations of the Group of Ministers, the new excise policy was approved by the cabinet today. It was decided that no new liquor shops would be opened in the national capital and the government would not run any liquor shops. Currently, Delhi 60 percent of liquor shops are run by the government, ”Mr. Sisodia said at a press conference.
Sisodia's Action
Mr. Sisodia said that the reforms would end the role of the liquor mafia in the city.
He said, "850 liquor shops in Delhi are authorized by the government. But liquor mafia-run 2,000 illegal stores ... Over 7 lakh illegal liquor bottles have been confiscated in the last two years, 1939 people arrested," They said.
Liquor shop rule
According to the new rules, the minimum permissible area for a liquor store should be 500 square feet. The main gate of such shops should not face the road.
Liquor shops should be built to conform to international standards. Store owners must ensure that their shops do not have any public drinks.
People below the age of 21 will not be allowed inside liquor stores.
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