Cheaper liquor for Delhiites as Kejriwal govt withdraws 70% 'special corona fee'

Delhiites will get cheaper liquor from Wednesday as the Arvind Kejriwal government has withdrawn the 70% 'special corona fee' that was set on the maximum retail price (MRP) on all categories of liquor.

However, the Value Added Tax (VAT) has been hiked from 20% to 25%.

"The Delhi government has withdrawn the Special Corona Fee levied at 70 per cent of maximum retail price on all categories of liquor, with effect from June 10. Further, VAT increased from existing 20 per cent to 25 per cent on all categories of liquor sold in the jurisdiction of Delhi with effect from 10 June," said an official.

Various petitions had been filed in the Delhi High Court regarding the fee.

On May 15, the Delhi High Court had issued a notice to the AAP government on increasing levy of 70 per cent' special corona fee' on the MRP of all liquor brands. Replying to the notice, the government said that it has the power to regulate the sale, purchase and consumption of liquor and appealed that the petition be dismissed.

The 70% "special corona fee" was levied by the government a day after alcohol shops in the capital opened from May 3.

As hundreds rushed to the shops, flouting all social distancing norms, an e-token system was launched for the sale of liquor to check the overcrowding of alcohol buyers at shops. "To curb violations of social distancing norms, crowding and law and order issues during the sale of liquor in the city, the Delhi government decided to introduce the e-token system," said the Delhi government statement.