While alcohol home delivery is not permitted in the Delhi-NCR region, alcohol is being delivered conveniently to homes through surrogate delivery. This delivery is facilitated through the same riders who bring food and groceries to homes, albeit under their app-based platform radar.
How does this work, after all?
It’s just pure cleverness. Just place any order, and the rider’s phone number is available on the app. Call the rider, request, offer a commission, and it’s done. So, if you order a tonic or ask for soda, and the delivery guy will bring the tonic or soda whiskey. Riders seldom refuse such informal delivery requests. The gig economy ensures it. A rider delivering orders in Noida explained the reason behind it. He said, “My daily target is 15 orders. I earn an average of 1,000-1,200 rupees per day. Delivering just one alcohol order in a day means an extra income of 150-200 rupees. It’s a full cash transaction, so I don’t have to worry about paying platform fees for this.”
The rider mentions that the proximity of the liquor store is a factor. On festive occasions, when there’s a party atmosphere at home, the demand for surrogate delivery peaks. A resident of Mahrauli in Delhi mentions that on the Christmas Eve, he hosted a party at his home. A delivery partner was ready to pick up four bottles of liquor for 500 rupees, which he gladly handed over. The resident shares that he learned this tactic from a friend who often orders alcohol in a similar way.
In Gurgaon, there are several liquor stores that informally deliver alcohol to homes. Rahul, working in a data analytics firm in the NCR city, mentions that he is not worried about getting alcohol even after 11 PM as the stores remain open and deliver directly. Meanwhile, the use of home delivery of alcohol is exploited as a temptation by online scammers who deceive people. The NCR region, comprising three states – Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, does not permit the home delivery of alcohol. However, online searches reveal ‘online liquor stores’ that claim to provide delivery services.
Noida’s Excise Officer Subodh Kumar stated that surrogate delivery is illegal, and action will be taken against those involved in delivering alcohol. Kumar emphasized that the department is aware of this practice and urges the public not to engage in it.
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