Shortly after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced its decision to permit commuters to carry two sealed liquor bottles on board Delhi Metro trains, the city government’s Excise department promptly raised concerns. The department has red-flagged this relaxation, asserting that it contradicts existing laws and regulations. Consequently, they are urging authorities to reconsider this allowance.
A senior officer from the Excise department stated that, in accordance with the Excise Act, individuals are allowed to carry only one sealed bottle of liquor, such as rum, vodka, or whisky, while traveling from one state to another.
According to the officer, the Metro trains facilitate the transportation of commuters between Delhi and NCR cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. However, permitting any individual to carry two sealed bottles would constitute a violation of the Act.
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“Also, liquor can not be sold to any person less than 25 years of age in Delhi, while in cities like Gurugram, liquor can be sold to anyone 18 years. The relaxation means any underage person can bring liquor from other places through Metro trains and consume it in Delhi,” the officer said.
The officer stated that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) received a notice, requesting a modification in the policy regarding the carriage of liquor bottles. The proposal aims to ensure that carrying two bottles of liquor by commuters on Metro trains connecting Delhi to Uttar Pradesh and Haryana cities does not lead to a violation of the Excise Act. The suggested amendment suggests allowing only one bottle of liquor per commuter to comply with the regulations.
A DMRC statement said the decision on what items are permitted for carriage on the Delhi Metro is based upon permissibility by the security agency in charge of handling the same for the Corporation.
“Passengers are expected to follow extant rules and regulations of the concerned state excise department with regard to carrying liquor during cross-border transit,” the DMRC said.
However, the “concern” of the excise department will be conveyed to the security agency to examine accordingly, it added.
The DMRC last month permitted commuters to carry two sealed bottles of alcohol per person on Delhi Metro trains. Earlier, carrying alcohol was banned in the Delhi Metro except on the Airport Express Line.
The two-bottle norm was recommended by a committee comprising DMRC and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for security at Metro stations.