Delhi eateries & hotels allowed to serve liquor

Taking a cue from states such as Punjab and Rajasthan, Delhi government said on Thursday that hotels and restaurants will soon be serving liquor, but bars will not be allowed to open yet. In view of the revenue situation, the cash-strapped Delhi government asked the excise department to “issue necessary permission for service of liquor in restaurants and clubs by licensees at the table and in the hotel rooms”. Last year, the Delhi government had earned around ? 7,000 crore from excise.

A day after allowing hotels to resume operations, the Delhi government has allowed hotels, restaurants and clubs in city to serve liquor and has directed the excise department to issue necessary permissions.

Taking a cue from states such as Punjab and Rajasthan, the government has allowed hotels and restaurants to serve alcohol in the rooms and at the tables respectively while keeping bars shut. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has directed the excise department to issue “necessary permission” for service of liquor in the restaurants and hotels. The decision has been taken keeping the revenue implications in mind. Last year, the cash-strapped Delhi government had earned about `7,000 crore from excise.

The order signed by Mr Sisodia read: “Bars will remain closed under the provisions of unlock guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, several state governments, including Assam, Punjab, Rajasthan, etc, have permitted service of liquor by licence holders under the Excise Rule in the restaurants and clubs and in the hotel rooms. Considering the revenue implications, the excise department issued necessary permission for the service of liquor in the restaurants and clubs by licensees at the table and in the hotel rooms.”

Restaurants in Delhi had permission to open from June 8, but with a series of safety restrictions that included the use of 40 per cent capacity, disposable menus and paper napkins. The hotels were allowed to open on Wednesday.