Liquor to be served soon on the tables of hotels and restaurants in Delhi

The Delhi government has asked the Excise Department to "issue necessary permission for service of liquor in restaurants and clubs by licensees at the table and in the hotel rooms", said an NDTV report.

Last year the Delhi government had earned Rs 7,000 crore in excise.

Restaurants in Delhi were allowed to resume business from June 8 but only with 40 per cent capacity, disposable menus and paper napkins.

In the last three phases of easing of restrictions, liquor was sold only from wine shops in the city as takeaways.

However, an order from the office of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia indicated that the Delhi government will allow liquor restaurants and clubs to serve liquor on their tables considering the revenue implications.

"Several state governments including Assam, Punjab, Rajasthan etc have permitted service of liquor by license holders under the Excise rules at the table in restaurants and clubs and in the hotel rooms. Considering the revenue implications, the Excise department to issue necessary permission for service of liquor in the restaurants & clubs by licensees at the table and in the hotel rooms," the order read.

According to the NDTV report, the Delhi government has taken the decision to allow alcohol in hotels and restaurants in accordance with Union Home Ministry's guidelines, source have said