According to the notification dated 16.08.2024, the Delhi Excise Department during the inspection has reported several cases of non-compliance with the Working Hours and conditions of Sale of Liquor in the state.

Following this, the Department cautioned all liquor license holders to operate within the timing and rules enumerated in Rule 55 (1) of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010.

Affected Licenses

This Circular is relevant to all the holders of Excise License including the hotels, restaurants, clubs, and other airport establishments operating on licenses issued under the Below-mentioned Forms:

• L-15/L-15F: Service of Indian or Foreign liquor in hotels to residents in their rooms.
• L-16/L-16F: Service of liquor in restaurants attached to hotels.
• L-17/L-17F: Service of liquor in independent restaurants.
• L-18/L-18F: Service of wine, beer, and alcohol in independent restaurants.
• L-19/L-19F: Round-the-clock service of liquor at airports.
• L-28/L-28F: Service of liquor in clubs.
• L-29/L-29F: Service of liquor in clubs exclusively for government servants, both serving and retired.

Key take aways from the notifications on Compliance Points:

• Working Hours and Conditions: It is the responsibility of all license holders to comply with the working hours and conditions indicated in their approved licenses and under Delhi Excise Rules 2010.
• Mandatory Compliance: Compliance is a must in all circumstances else adverse consequences shall incur various punitive actions such as heavy penalties or even suspension or the rights to practice may be withdrawn.

In order to minimize penalties, All the holders of the above-mentioned licenses are directed to comply with the provision of said rules and ensure to operate only during the prescribed time limits.

The Excise Department has, however, issued alerts to license holders for sensible adherence to the provisions of the Delhi Excise Act, 2010. The working hours and other defined conditions have to be followed, failure of which will attract legal consequences. It has been suggested that all such establishment’s operating procedures be strictly observed in order not to restrict any progress to their businesses.

Disclaimer:  This is an effort by Lexcomply.com, to contribute towards improving compliance management regime. User is advised not to construe this service as legal opinion and is advisable to take a view of subject experts.

Akib Khan