Bars, Cafes Oppose Order On Destroying Liquor

Profits to take a dip even if revised rules are implemented, claim managers of establishments

Bars and clubs in the city are against the revised August 30 order by the Delhi government to destroy alcohol that does not get sold within eight days at the “bar counters”.

The move is to prevent adulteration of alcohol that happens in bar counters as bottles remain there for months, according to officials of the Department of Excise Entertainment and Luxury Tax. But bottles kept at stores of bars and clubs have no such restrictions.

The Hindu met managers of six bars and cafes and all of them said that their profit will be affected if the order is implemented in the current form. The managers suggested amendments to the order — from increasing the number of days for which an opened bottle can be kept at the bar counter to the government increasing checking instead of the current order.