In order to minimize losses by restaurants, bars Delhi Govt allows to sell beer stock to liquor shops

The Delhi government has allowed the restro-bars, hotels and clubs in the city to sell their stock of beer expiring by July 31 to liquor shops, reported PTI.

This is the third time the government has given relief to the owners of these establishments.

Bars in hotels, clubs and restaurants have not been allowed to open since March 25, when the nationwide lockdown was announced.

The official said that it is aimed at minimising financial losses of such establishments and as the shelf life of beer is 6 months it has allowed restaurants and bars to sell stock to liquor shops.

Hotels, clubs and restaurants licensees will prepare an inventory of all beer stock with barcode, which is to be transferred at licensed vendors, the excise department said.

“The licensee from hotels, clubs and restaurants shall then submit the barcode list of beer stock and consent letter obtained from licensed vend to excise department with the request for allowing transfer of beer stock,” it added.

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has welcomed the government’s move. “We welcome the decision of the Delhi government to allow bars to sell beer that is getting old. This is what we had recommended to the government in May. Hospitality sector is under great stress and this may help recover some investment stuck in stock,” said Vinod Giri, Director General, CIABC.

On June 11, the Delhi government had issued an order allowing such establishments to sell their stock of beer expiring by June 30 to liquor shops in a bid to minimise their losses due to the lockdown. In an order dated June 26, it had allowed them to sell beer stock expiring by July 15.