Residents of Delhi can now pre-order alcohol through a new government-developed mobile application, namely DSIIDC. However, it should be noted that home delivery of alcohol is not provided.
After making an online payment, buyers must pick up the ordered bottles themselves within 48 hours. Through the 'Delhi Liquor Booking' application, clients can view available brands, select their desired store, and specify the size and quantity of bottles.
Upon completing the online reservation and payment, consumers receive a QR code that can be scanned in the store for convenient collection of the alcohol. This system is designed to reduce queues and crowds at the counters, as well as increase the transparency of the billing process.
According to excise regulations, the buyer must be at least 25 years old to use this application. Furthermore, there is a limit: one person cannot purchase more than 9 liters of whiskey and 18 liters of beer. Once the item has been sold or picked up from the store, returns are not possible; however, the order can be canceled before it is collected at the store.
This pre-reservation feature is available through the 'Delhi Liquor Booking' application from the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). DSIIDC manages approximately 200 retail stores across the city.
There are four state corporations in Delhi that sell alcohol through over 700 outlets, but currently, this online service is implemented only in 208 DSIIDC sales points. Officials reported that the initial consumer reaction to the online reservation was not very active, and the future of this service depends solely on customer interest.