Delhi: North MCD seals 8 liquor vends, issues show cause notices to 10 others

A resolution passed by the general body meeting of North MCD on Tuesday urged the Delhi government to have a relook at the policy while asking the government to cancel any licenses issued in residential areas

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation has shut five liquor vends and passed sealing orders for three others for alleged violations related to building by-laws and carrying unauthorised construction, civic officials said on Wednesday. A report on the action against liquor shops by North MCD revealed that showcause notices were also issued to 10 other liquor shops.

North MCD officials said they will continue to check the legal status of all MCD-related regulations in the new liquor shops. (Picture for representation only/HT Archive)

Standing committee chairman Jogi Ram Jain said three liquor shops were sealed in Civil Lines and one each in Karol Bagh and Rohini. “Most of these units had illegal construction and unapproved amalgamation of properties. The provisions of unified building by-laws (UBBL) were not followed which has led to sealing action against them. The drive to check the building norms and property or conversion charges in the new liquor outlets...will continue in the coming days,” Jain said.

Chhail Bihari Goswami, the leader of the house in North MCD, said the civic body will continue the crackdown: “Shops are being opened under new excise policy with no official intimation or NOC requirements being communicated to the local bodies. We have all the right to check violations in these shops.”

Delhi government spokespersons did not respond to requests seeking comment.

East MCD sealed three liquor outlets last Friday.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta on Wednesday said that the party will hold protests across the city on January 3 if the new excise policy is not withdrawn.