The Delhi government's excise department has issued a directive mandating all liquor vends in the national capital to shut operations by 8 PM on weekends, effective immediately. The order applies to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, aiming to curb drunk driving and reduce road accidents.
Order Details and Implementation
According to the official order released on Thursday, liquor shops that normally operate until 10 PM or later must now close by 8 PM on the designated days. The excise department warned that any violation would result in the cancellation of the shop's license. An excise department official stated, "The decision was taken after reviewing data that shows a spike in drunk driving incidents during weekend nights."
Rationale Behind the Move
Delhi has witnessed a significant number of road accidents linked to alcohol consumption, especially on weekend evenings. The government aims to limit the availability of alcohol during peak hours of reckless driving. A senior traffic police officer noted that "over 300 road accident deaths in Delhi last year were alcohol-related, and weekends accounted for more than half of these tragedies."
Reactions from Stakeholders
The order has drawn mixed reactions from liquor traders and consumers. The Delhi Wine Merchants Association expressed concern over potential loss of business. "This will affect our revenue by about 20%," said its president. However, road safety activists welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step to save lives.
Enforcement Measures
The excise department will conduct surprise checks to ensure compliance. Offenders face severe penalties, including suspension or cancellation of licenses. Additionally, police presence at major intersections will be increased during weekend evenings to catch drunk drivers.
