Bottoms Up!! In Record-Breaking December Winter, Delhi Drinks Liquor Worth Rs 1,000 Crore: Reports

It was a happiest December for liquor manufacturers! In the record-breaking winter chills, Delhiites consumed alcohol worth Rs 1,000 crore, latest media reports said on Friday. According to a report by Times of India, the staggering figure was computed on basis of revenue collected by the excise department in the form of liquor duty. According to the Business today report, the national capital has a network of 864 vends, both government and private whereas 951 hotels, bars and clubs have the liquor licence. The record sales figures coincide with the coldest winter season that Delhi experienced since 1901! 

The main reason for the stupendous liquor sales is the competitive pricing. Last year, the excise department had slashed the prices of several foreign liquor brands. This helped in the sales. Otherwise, people used to go to neighbouring Haryana for their fix.

But it was not a very happy New Year celebration for many in Ahmedabad. Over 400 people were arrested for consumption or possession of liquor during the New Year celebrations in Gujarat's Ahmedabad city, police has said. Gujarat is a 'dry' state where manufacture, sale and consumption of liquor is banned.

People came out at the Sabarmati Riverfront and some prominent lakes in the city in large numbers around midnight to welcome 2020, a police official said, adding that no untoward incident was reported from any area.

However, several people were caught drinking or possessing liquor during the New Year revelry, specially in Sardarnagar, Bapunagar and Meghaninagar area, he said.