The DMRC was contacted in order to open government-approved booze stores at additional stations.
Digital Desk: The Delhi government's excise department started
selling alcohol at shops situated at Delhi Metro station premises in many
regions on Saturday to accommodate consumer demand, which is good news for
drinkers. Officials stated that the decision was made in order to improve sales
because of the area's strong foot traffic.
According to officials, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
has given the Delhi Consumers' Cooperative Wholesale Store Ltd. (DCCWS)
permission to build up shops on commercial terms and construct liquor stores at
more than a half-dozen metro stations.
According to a Senior Excise Department Officer, these stations
include Badarpur, Dwarka, Karol Bagh, Rajouri Garden, and Mundka. The DMRC was
contacted in order to open government-approved booze stores at additional
stations.
"High foot traffic in metro stations is a significant
component in ensuring access to alcoholic items and, consequently, greater
income. At larger Metro station locations, some vending machines have already
opened, and others will follow soon, "the officer for the excise agency
remarked.
The excise officer stated, "We also plan to grant permits
for wine and beer businesses that will only offer light alcoholic beverages and
not those with greater alcohol content like rum and whisky."
In order to create a good possibility for improved sales, officials stated that commercial centers, shopping centres, and malls, in addition to liquor stores, will be located near the metro stations. With DMRC approval, additional businesses will operate stores soon on Metro property.
Vendors that are larger and swankier
The built-up stores at Metro station locations are frequently
roomy and ideal for serving the objective of giving customers access to
swankier shops, which need a minimum of 300 square feet of floor area.
Currently, Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation
(DTTDC), Delhi State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation
(DSIIDC), Delhi Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC), and DCCWS are
the four organizations in charge of managing liquor stores.
An official stated, "We are attempting to ensure that the shops have at least 300 square feet of space, but some adjustments are being made as smaller shops must be rented with no other option left. Additionally, wherever metro premises do not have shops, nearby areas are being explored for opening vends.
By September, 500 liquor vends
According to officials, the excise department plans to open 500
booze vending machines throughout the city by September and at least 200 more
by the end of the year.
The government withdrew it in July after L G VK Saxena suggested
that the CBI look into the Excise Policy, 2021–2022, for potential
irregularities. The 2021-22 policy took effect with the opening of liquor
outlets by private actors on November 17, 2021, but the government has now
returned to the previous excise regime that was in place before that date.
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