Meghalaya Government to issue licenses for home delivery of liquor

Guwahati: Meghalaya's tipplers can now rejoice for the state's cabinet today decided to issue licenses to wine shops to deliver alcoholic drinks straight to homes.

Meghalaya Minister James K Sangma stated that the state cabinet has approved a proposal regarding this and decided to introduce a new regulation under the Meghalaya Excise Rules on license for home delivery of liquor.

However, not more than 3 liters of foreign liquors or wine, and 4 liters of beer can be delivered per order, Sangma said, adding that the licensees shall have to submit the details of delivery persons to the deputy commissioners. The Minister further added that the customer must provide a document that he or she is above the age of 20, Sangma said. Any wrong declaration will attract 'penal action.'

It may be recalled that in March of this year when the coronavirus-induced lockdown was firmly in effect, the Meghalaya government had approved "home delivery of liquor on health grounds strictly against medical prescriptions issued by the registered medical practitioner."

"Introduction of New Rule 286 (A) and Rule 316 (A) (1) to (22) on license for home delivery of liquor by Wine Shops in the Meghalaya Excise Rule (Assam Excise Rule, 1945) as adapted and amended by Meghalaya", informed the state's Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.

The Meghalaya cabinet today also approved the revised guidelines for the utilization of the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF).

The decision was taken after the revised guidelines got the approval of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), said James Sangma, the state government's spokesperson, adding that a sum of Rs 445.16 crore has been collected under the fund to date.

The cabinet has also approved the amendment to the Meghalaya Transport Corporation Rules, 1976, allowing it to borrow money from any financial institutions that provide credit. However, this will be subject to the control of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The Meghalaya cabinet also gave nod to the appointment of 13 Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) on a contractual basis at a minimum pay of Rs 30,000 per month, Sangma said.

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