Delhi government issues 4.75 lakh e-tokens to buy liquor

The Delhi government has so far issued around 4.75 lakh e-tokens to buy liquor in the national capital, an official said on Saturday (May 9).

“The government has issued around 4.75 lakh e-tokens since Thursday evening for people to buy liquor without standing in long queues,” he said.

The new system was introduced on Thursday (May 7) after people gathered in long queues outside liquor shops when these outlets were opened after 40 days. People were seen flouting social distancing norms, and many liquor shops were shut again following the large crowds. The Delhi police also had to resort to lathi charge in some cases to control the crowd.

Under the e-token system, customers are allotted a specific time for purchasing alcohol so that there is no violation of social distancing norms by people queuing up outside liquor stores. The e-token is sent on mobile phones of registered people.

People willing to get e-token can apply through a web link www.qtoken.in where they are allotted specific time for purchasing liquor after they fill personal details.

According to the official, the e-token system is maintaining social distancing and cutting down on waiting time in long queues by specifying time for each e-coupon holder to buy liquor at a shop.

People are required to furnish the address of the liquor shop in their area along with their mobile number and other details, while applying for an e-token on the web link.

The Delhi government has allowed around 200 liquor shops to operate in the city under this system.

It has also imposed a ‘special corona fee’ of 70% of the MRP of liquor.

(With inputs from agencies)