Delhi Imposes ‘Special Corona Fee’ On Liquor, To Charge 70 Per Cent Tax On MRP From Today

The Delhi government has imposed a 70 per cent tax on the maximum retail price of the liquor items being sold in the capital and has named it as ‘Special Corona fee’. The revised rates will be applicable from Tuesday (5 May), news agency ANI tweeted.

In an order issued late on Monday night, the Finance Department imposed the fee, describing it as the 70 per cent of the maximum retail price on all categories of liquor sold through retail licensees for consumption "off" the premises.

Followed by the May 4 order from the Finance Department, the Excise Department also issued another order directing the shops to collect the Special Corona Fee on all categories of liquor sold in Delhi though the retail vends with immediate effect.

"The Delhi government has levied a Special Corona Fee -- 70 per cent of the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) -- on all categories of liquor from the consumer at the Point of Sale by the retail vend licensees for consumption off the premises, which will be further reimbursed to the Government," the order signed by Deputy Commissioner (Excise) said.

It also asked the retailers to compile the data of the sale, saying the collected Special Corona Fee shall be reimbursed to the Government on a weekly basis.

"A copy of this order should be prominently displayed by the licensees at every vend before starting any liquor sale on Tuesday," the Excise Department said.

The move has come after high liquor sales were observed on Monday as according to the Union Home Ministry guidelines for the phase three of the coronavirus lockdown liquor stores were allowed to open in orange and green zones across the country.

It is also believed the Delhi government has taken the decision aiming to boost its revenues which have born heavy losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

While only standalone liquor shops were allowed to open in Delhi from Monday, huge rush was witnessed in a number of areas, forcing Kejriwal to issue a warning of sealing the areas and shops again.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Excise Department also wrote to the Delhi Police for deploying field functionaries at the liquor vends for liquor sale to be allowed between 9am to 6.30pm instead of opening from 10am to 7pm.

(With inputs from IANS)