Delhi government reduces dry days from 21 to three; liquor shops to open on festivals
By: Pallab Ghosh
Radiance News Service
Is the Aam Admi Party (AAP) led government in Delhi playing liquor politics? This is the question that many are asking. Residents of Delhi are finding it hard to understand the liquor policy of AAP government. The Delhi government that has been in controversy for allowing liquor shops and thekas across residential areas has spruced up a fresh row after it reduced the number of dry days to three from the existing 21 on Monday. Now liquor shops will remain open on festivals like Holi, Diwali, Eid, Dusshera, Christmas etc. The Excise department announced restriction on sale of liquor on dry days will not apply to the service of alcohol to occupants in case of hotels having L-15 license. L-15 license allows hotels to serve liquor to guests in their rooms.
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has welcomed the government's decision, stating Delhi is a modern city and having so many dry days made little sense, especially as the neighbouring states have no such limitations.
Well, CIABC may compliment the Delhi government over its lenient policy towards liquor but Delhi residents are aggrieved. "I get quite late from office and there is a wine shop on my way which is always crowded with drinkers making filthy passes. I feel insecure", said Raktima Mukherjee, a call centre executive. People are angry over the opening of liquor shops in the residential areas. "The problem is not just having shops but the anti-socials who throng these places. We are scared to go to the market after dark. Even during day we face passes but nobody is willing to do anything", said Samira, a homemaker in south Delhi. Not just females, even men are unhappy over the strange policy of AAP government. "There was a wine shop near Govindpuri market but it has been closed down", said Raju, a tea vendor.
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged the Delhi government of flouting the master plan and giving illegal licenses to liquor shops. Condemning the AAP policy on liquor, Leader of Opposition in Delhi government, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said, "The Delhi government is flouting master plan to give licenses to liquor shops, and thekas even within 50 metres of school, and religious places". The BJP government said it would contest the forthcoming civic polls on this issue. Congress too has slammed the Arvind Kejriwal government for its liquor policy.
In Punjab, the same AAP is fighting elections criticising the liquor policy of the Congress government and in Delhi is allegedly giving illegal licenses to liquor shops, and thekas.