Liquor home delivery allowed in city, but conditions apply

MUMBAI:Home delivery of liquor in sealed bottles will be allowed in Mumbai from Saturday, but with certain riders. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner Iqbal Chahal, who issued a circular to the effect on Friday, said the service will not be available in containment zones, people ordering liquor will need permits issued by the excise department and no shop will be allowed to sell over the counter.

Wine shop owners, however, said immediate delivery from Saturday seems difficult. “Delivery services will require nod from the collector’s office, including the excise department. We may be able to deliver only from Sunday or Monday,” said a wine shop owner, who did not want to be named.

The circular, which comes five days after the state government allowed home delivery of liquor in red zones, states that the delivery can happen even through e-commerce and online platforms.

However, shop owners, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they would prefer to deliver on their own rather than go through e-commerce and online platforms. The owners said they fear entry of these platforms in the liquor delivery space and that could harm their business in the future.

Maharashtra consumes around 86 crore litres of liquor every year, which works out to daily consumption of around 24 lakh litres.

Buyers can contact wine shop owners directly and place order

Order can also be placed on e-commerce/online platforms if wine shops have a tie-up with them

The buyer will need a permit to buy liquor

You can register on https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/ and then apply on https://exciseservices.mahaonline.gov.in/

ANSHUMAN POYREKAR/HT Passengers maintain social distancing at Mumbai Central Terminus on Friday.