The Delhi government on Monday published the Delhi Excise(Amendment) Rules,2021 thereby allowing home delivery of liquor through websites and mobile apps. However, only holders of the L-13 license can start home delivery of alcohol. Till now the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010 governed the trade of alcohol in the national capital which has now been amended.
The new rules do not permit the delivery of liquor to hostel, office and other institutions. This has been made clear in the sixth clause of Rule 66 of the amendment which says, “The licensee shall make delivery of liquor at the residences only if order is received through mobile app or online web portal.” It further restricted deliveries to any hostel, office, and institution.
In a piece of good news for the hotel industry, the Delhi government has, under the amendment, allowed clubs and bars attached to hotels to serve liquor in open spaces like terraces, balconies or lower areas(courtyards). A license under form L-38 or a permit in the form P-10E will be required in order to serve alcohol at banquets and party functions in the hotel.
It may be recalled that last year the Supreme Court of India had observed that in view of crowding outside liquor shops which violated Covid-19 guidelines, states must consider allowing home delivery of liquor.