Liquor in Delhi to cost 70% more from Tuesday as AAP govt imposes 'Special Corona Fee'

Chief Minister Arvind-Kejriwal led Delhi Government has imposed "Special Corona Fees" of 70% tax on Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of liquor, which will be applicable from Tuesday morning. move will boost government revenue, which has been hit hard due to Coronavirus-forced lockdown, but re will be a steep rise in prices of retails liquor bottle.

'Special Corona Fee'

In a late-night tification, Finance Department of Delhi government said, "70 per cent of maximum retail price (will be levied) on all categories of liquor sold through retail licensees for consumption..."

Meanwhile, Delhi Excise Commissioner has written to Delhi Police Commissioner stating, "Directions may be conveyed to field functionaries that liquor vends of four government corporations as per list finalised by m in pursuance to order of this department should be allowed to function from 9 AM to 6:30 PM."

Kejriwal sends a stern mess

Many Delhi BJP leaders on Monday asked Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to reconsider its decision on opening of liquor shops in national capital, saying it may lead to a spike in Covid-19 cases. Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri criticised Delhi government's decision to open liquor shops, claiming it can increase Coronavirus positive cases by up to 10%.

READ | CPI demands ban of liquor sales amid lockdown, calls govt's decision 'anti-public'

AAP has allowed opening of 150 state-run liquor shops outside Coronavirus containment zones in national capital. On Monday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said all relaxations in areas where people violate social-distancing and or health rms will be withdrawn.

READ | Liquor shops open in Chhattisgarh for first time since March; Govt allows home delivery

Chief Minister's stern mess came amid reports of people flouting social-distancing rms at liquor shops in many areas of city after authorities allowed all activities permitted by Central government under lockdown 3.0. All liquor shops in eastern range were also shut for violation of rms, said Delhi Police. Delhi government on Sunday allowed shops selling liquor, tobacco, etc. to operate in national capital during extended lockdown period from May 4 onwards.

READ | Andhra Pradesh: Tenali villrs queue outside liquor shop 'distancing' with umbrellas

READ | Delhi govt rushed into opening liquor shops despite city being in ‘red zone’: Harsh Vardhan

(With inputs from ncies)