NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government's policy on extending the timings of liquor shops in the Capital has come under fire from not only trade unions but also from within the Government with sharp differences surfacing in the Cabinet over the issue. The Delhi State Industrial Development Corporation (DSIDC) and Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) employees have strongly opposed the new timings.

The Excise Department had increased the timings of liquor vends in the Capital by three hours. From 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at present, the timings had been extended to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This had kicked up a lot of dust with the employees and the political parties opposing "the attempts to make Delhi the liquor capital of the country".

Interestingly, Delhi Tourism Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely also expressed his reservations over extending the timings. The DTTDC is running a chain of liquor shops in the Capital and has been earning huge revenue, which in turn was re-invested for construction of infrastructure projects like flyovers and bridges.

Sources said Mr. Lovely had issued instructions to the Tourism Department that they should not adhere to the new timings and continue to stick to the old timings. Following representations from trade unions, Mr. Lovely held prolonged discussions with senior officials of the Department who felt that the decision to extend the timings was impractical, as it would have an adverse impact on the output of an average worker.

Less time for stocks

It was also felt that the liquor outlets would find it difficult to cope with the new timings as it would provide them with very little time to assess the stocks, collect and deposit the cash collections in the bank, and then re-display the brands in the vends.

DTTDC Employees' Union general secretary V.K. Paul said the new timings were unrealistic and could not be implemented. Asserting that the decision was a result of an impractical exercise by the Excise Department, Mr. Paul said there is hardly any sale of liquor during the morning hours.

It is understood that Mr. Lovely sent a note to the DTTDC officials stating that they should continue to maintain the old timings.

Interestingly, sources informed the Cabinet did not discuss the new policy nor has it been put to legislative scrutiny.

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