Maharashtra: Home delivery of liquor gets immense response

While the state’s economy was trudging due to the huge loss in revenue, the government was looking for a good option to boost the economy. After liquor shops being closed for over one and a half month, considering the increasing impact of prevalent coronavirus disease, government in May started home delivery of liquor as a boost to the economy.

The option of liquor delivery was considered as it contributes to generate considerable revenue in the states’ and Union territories’. But after witnessing the unending queues in front of liquor shops, the shops were asked shut and later government proposed the idea of liquor delivery. The State Excise Department had allowed liquor home delivery after online registration. From May 15, the home delivery of liquor was permitted

Kantilal Umap, Commissioner of State Excise Department said, “Within 15 days, 6, 68, 645 people ordered liquor for home delivery.” He also informed, “On Sunday, 63,962 people received liquor at their doorstep. Out of which 41, 534 customers were from Mumbai city and suburbs.”

The government had issued fresh guidelines regarding the home delivery of liquor.

While earlier, several applicants were facing technical problems in applying for the license but soon the issue was resolved.

From May 1 to May30, 1,18,951 people applied for the liquor license out of which 1,08,085 applications were approved.

Guidelines issued by Maharashtra State Excise Department on home delivery of liquor
- Liquor home delivery service will be allowed only in the area where wine shops were already opened and are in non-containment zones.
- One shop owner can appoint a maximum of 10 persons for delivery and they shall not carry more than 24 bottles of permitted liquor.
- Drinking permit is must for customers (they can apply for it online, also one-day permit for Rs 5 can be purchased at wine shop itself)
- Shop owners are directed not to charge more than the MRP price printed on the bottle
- Government Resolution (GR) issued by the department mentions that despite the online sale, shop owners must adhere to the laid down guidelines of physical distancing and sanitisation of its staff.