Written by: Express News Service
2 min readNew DelhiNov 22, 2011 01:45 AM IST
First published on: Nov 22, 2011 at 01:45 AM IST
Domestic flyers will soon be able to buy liquor at Delhi’s domestic airport,with the government on Monday allowing setting up of liquor vends at the arrival lounge of Terminal 3.
Only those passengers who arrive in Delhi by international flights are so far allowed to buy liquor from the various duty free shops. But,the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit decided to extend an existing license that allows liquor shops in malls to include the domestic airport too.
“We have decided to make amendment in Delhi Excise Rule,2010,which will facilitate grant of L-10 license for setting up of liquor shops at arrival lounge of Terminal 3 at the IGI Airport,” Dikshit said.
But the liquor vends at the domestic lounge would not be duty-free,unlike in the international arrival lounge.
The state government had in October 2009 allowed opening of liquor shop in malls,saying it will give buyers a quality shopping experience and increase government revenue.
“The decision will help government earn additional revenue considering the location of the proposed vends and the passenger traffic at the airport,” they said.
The new excise policy for the Capital approved by the Delhi Cabinet in 2009 had paved the way for opening new outlets for sale of liquor across the city to meet the demand during the Commonwealth Games.
Airport operator DIAL said,“We welcome the Delhi governments decision for granting of liquor license. This move would not just provide the passengers with the widest range of liquors but will also give them an opportunity to buy alcohol even after they have crossed the immigration and customs area. The outlet is likely to open next month in the Common Arrivals area of Terminal-3 under the banner,Liquor World. The store will be accessible to domestic,international passengers and people.”
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