No more standing in long queue for alcohol, apply for e-token

Long queues of booze lovers was a common sight outside liquor shops in Delhi after the government allowed some stores to open from May 4. The long line made the job of authorities harder as the social distancing guidelines, went for the toss. Now the Delhi government has found a new way to stop the crowds from gathering outside liquor stores.

The Arvind Kejriwal government on Thursday started an e-token system under which customers would be given a specific time for purchasing liquor at a particular store. This would limit the number of people gathering at the store and thus will not lead to violation of social distancing norms.

Any person can apply for an e-token through the following link https://www.qtoken.in/.To apply, name, phone number and a government id proof will be required and the e-coupon will be sent at the registered mobile number. Through this e-token, the person will be allowed to buy liquor from the nearby shops. This will be an additional facility to reduce overcrowding at the liquor shops.

In the third phase of the lockdown, the Central government has given some relaxations by which standalone licensed liquor shops can be opened. Following the guidelines of the Centre, the Delhi Government has given permission to open about 200 shops across the national capital from May 4.

However, due to overcrowding and long queues in some areas, only 50 shops have been opened. In order to curb violations of social distancing norms, crowding and law and order issues during the sale of liquor in the city, the Delhi government has decided to introduce the e-token system.

From now on any person who wants to avoid the long queues will be required to apply through the web link and an e-token will be sent to the registered mobile number. Thereafter, the person can go to the nearby shop, show the e-token and buy the liquor. However, the e-token website has been showing ‘Server Error (500)’ for many users.