Liquor shops reopen: With the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government returning to the old liquor policy from September 1, private liquor shops will no more be a matter of joy for tipplers. Instead, they will be replaced by over 300 government vends in the national capital.
Until now, around 250 private liquor shops operating in the city were licensed under the now-withdrawn Excise Policy 2021-22.
The private licensees will not be allowed in retail liquor sales beyond August 31, as per the Excise Department.
Why this happened?
The Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 was implemented in November 2021 that changed the way how alcohol was sold in the national capital. The government had withdrawn from the business and allowed only private operators to run liquor shops.
The national capital was divided into 32 zones inviting firms to bid for a license to sell liquor and wines. After open bidding, the Excise Department licenced a total of 849 retail vendors.
However, the new excise policy was soon embroiled in controversy with the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party vehemently opposing it. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena also called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter that forced the Delhi government to withdraw the new liquor policy on July 30.
Also, raids at the residence and office of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia were part of this controversy that unravel many facts.
