COVID-19 update: Delhi starts e-token system for liquor purchases to avoid overcrowding

COVID-19 update: Delhi starts e-token system for liquor purchases to avoid overcrowding

Days after a 70 per cent hike and people thronging liquor stores ignoring all social distancing norms, the Delhi government has come up with a unique idea to ensure social distancing in liquor stores. It has launched an e-token system that allows people to book a time slot to buy alcohol without having to stand in long queues and spend hours.

The national capital saw a huge rush and long queues this week when liquor stores were allowed to open following the latest lock-down relaxation provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Union (MHA). The police had to resort to a mild baton charge in some places and shut down a few shops. 

In a bid to ensure that people do not flout social distancing norms amid coronavirus threat, the Delhi government took this decision to encourage people to avoid long queues by applying for an e-token with a time slot to buy liquor at any nearby shop. Any person may apply for an e-token through the following link https:/www.qtoken.in/, the government said in a statement.

When applying, people will be required to provide the address of the liquor store in their area along with their mobile number and other details while applying for an e-token on the web link. The e-coupon will be sent to the registered mobile number. 

Launched on Thursday, the official web link showed 'server update in progress'. When asked about the link, not opening, an official said heavy rush was taking place and that the website would be up soon.

At the liquor shops, there will be two different queues-one for people with tokens and those who don't have it. It will issue a fixed number of tokens for every hour.

Following central government guidelines, the Delhi government has granted permission from Monday to open around 200 shops across the national capital. However, only 50 shops could be kept open, due to overcrowding and long queues in some areas.

The government imposed a 70 per cent tax called 'Special corona fee' on the liquor's Maximum Retail Price (MRP). However, even after the hike, long lines were still seen outside the stores selling alcohol.

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