By IANS,
New Delhi : Beware! All those purchasing liquor and drinking it in a public place or inside their parked car will soon have to pay a hefty fine of Rs.50,000.
A bill providing for this fine is likely to be introduced in the winter session of the Delhi assembly.
The move is likely to check alcohol drinking at public places as a hefty financial penalty and a six month non-bailable jail term will act as a deterrent.
At present, getting caught drinking in public places provides for a fine of Rs.200 and it is a bailable offence.
Approving a new excise policy, the Delhi government last week had cleared a proposal to allow sale of liquor in malls.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. With these 83 new shops, the number of government controlled liquor shops in Delhi will go up to 590.
The government decision is meant to ensure safe and good quality liquor to the people and check illicit trade.