Restaurants, bars may serve liquor till 3am suggests Delhi Govt panel

New Year may bring cheers to the restaurant business as restaurants and bars in the city may soon be allowed to serve liquor till 3 am.

According to the recommendations of an expert committee set up by Delhi government to suggest excise reforms are implemented, alcohol service in open spaces like terraces could also become easier.

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At present, restaurants and bars are allowed to serve liquor till 1am and only bars within star hotels are allowed to function 24x7.

The government panel has suggested that timings of bars in restaurants and clubs may be increased by two hours as in other metro cities and areas in NCR on payment of additional fees.

The report noted that there being no explicit provision for grant of licence in open areas, liquor service could be permitted in open spaces such as terraces, balconies or lower areas of restaurants, clubs and hotels.

These two suggestions are part of reforms suggested in changes in liquor trade in keeping with the changing stature of the national capital.

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The committee’s report has also been put in the public domain for comments from both stakeholders and the public till January 21. The report will then be submitted to Delhi government after 24 days and a final decision taken by the cabinet. The approved recommendations will form a part of the excise policy for 2021-22.

The report also says that at present, the licence fee for restaurants holding a liquor permit was based on seat covers. The licence fee in premium areas like Khan Market or Connaught Place was the same as that in comparatively lower rental areas like northeast and outer Delhi. The committee advised a review of this system and the rationalisation of licence fee on the basis of area instead of seat covers.