Delhi Government Issues Warning on Liquor Sales

The Delhi government has issued a warning to hotels, clubs, and restaurants regarding the sale of liquor beyond permitted hours, mandating strict adherence to the prescribed timings outlined in the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010. Excise officials reported numerous violations during inspections, leading to potential punitive actions under the Delhi Excise Act 2009. Currently, most establishments can serve alcohol until 1 am, and a prior proposal to extend this to 3 am was scrapped due to security concerns. The Excise Department has emphasized the necessity of functional CCTV cameras at licensed premises to verify compliance, as many establishments have previously claimed non-functional cameras to evade penalties. This directive reflects the government's commitment to maintaining law and order while regulating alcohol sales in the capital. Licensees failing to comply risk facing severe consequences, including the cancellation of their licenses.