Shillong, Sept 6: Defending the move of the State government to allow for home delivery of alcohol during the Covid-19 pandemic, Meghalaya Excise Minister, Kyrmen Shylla on Monday said the step was taken to make it convenient for those that need to consume alcohol under medical prescription and for those eligible to consume liquor.

At the same time, he said proper rules and guidelines were framed before the policy was passed to ensure underage drinking is checked and only those above 18 years of age can order liquor online.

Citing one such guideline, he said at the time of delivering the alcohol the delivery person has to check the identity card of the person receiving the alcohol to ensure that an adult is receiving the order.

Shylla statement comes in reaction to Shillong MP and MPCC president, Vincent H. Pala who had criticized the Minister, also a UDP leader, that the home delivery of alcohol was ruining the youth and leading to alcohol addiction in Meghalaya.

Further, he said the state is atleast selling liquor legally whereas people who want to have alcohol can find ways to get liquor, whether legally or illegally, while pointing at the ‘neighbouring’ dry states that are struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.
“Atleast we are doing it legally and taking alcohol is not against the government norms,” he quipped.

Revenue collection not the aim

Shylla also stated that the home delivery of liquor was not aimed at increasing the revenue of the State, which is reeling under financial crunch due to lack of activities due to Covid-19 restrictions.

He informed that the Excise department’s revenue was around Rs. 200-300 crore yearly before the Covid pandemic hit the State. However, he doesn’t have the figures of the revenue post the start of online delivery of alcohol.

He maintained that the online delivery service was started only to make it convenient for the consumer, especially for those taking alcohol for medical reasons.