Cops outside Delhi liquor shops to ensure social distancing. (Express photo: Amit Mehra)
The price of liquor, across categories, will go up by 70 per cent in the national capital from Tuesday, with the Delhi government imposing a “special corona fee” on alcohol.
A late-night notification states the excise will be “70 per cent of the maximum retail price on all categories of liquor sold through retail licensees”.
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On Monday, government-run alcohol shops in Delhi opened for the first time since March 23. But despite appeals by authorities for social distancing, there was crowding outside many of the 150-odd outlets. In some areas, police used lathicharge to force shops to shut.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal warned that violations may lead to complete sealing of areas. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan also said Delhi, a ‘red zone’, may have rushed into opening liquor shops.
The government amended the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, for the special fees. A spokesperson said the new rates will start Tuesday.
Delhi earns around Rs 500 crore per month from the sale of liquor.