Arguments for Online Delivery
Doorstep delivery can increase excise tax revenue for governments, as taxes on alcohol contribute significantly to state finances.
Delivery options could decrease drunk-driving incidents and related road traffic accidents by making it easier for people to avoid driving after drinking.
Doorstep delivery might reduce the risk of violence against women by allowing them to access alcohol privately, potentially lowering incidents of violence linked to alcohol consumption at bars.
Arguments Against Online Delivery
The negative health and social costs of alcohol use often outweigh the economic benefits from sales, leading to greater financial losses
Health issues, including cancers, mental illness, and chronic diseases
Availability of alcohol through delivery could encourage higher consumption and binge drinking, leading to more alcohol-related harms.
Delivery options alone might not significantly reduce drunk-driving; other measures like sobriety checkpoints and improved public transport are also necessary.
The assumption that doorstep delivery will automatically enhance safety for women is questionable, given the high prevalence of domestic violence related to alcohol.
Alcohol Consumption in India
Per capita alcohol consumption in India has risen from 1.6 litres in 2003-2005 to 5.5 litres in 2016-2018.
In 2018, about 16 crore (160 million) people aged 10-75 in India consumed alcohol.
Women to access alcohol
Doorstep deliveries may not threaten the safety of women consumers.
There is some evidence from Kerala that shutting bars selling hard liquor reduced on-premise violence against women.
Doorstep delivery options might have a similar effect, especially for women who live alone or with other women
While doorstep delivery will help women access alcohol without social stigma, whether it could reduce violence against them is suspect
Regulating Liquor Consumption
Alcohol regulation in India is largely a state matter, with some national policies.
Effective regulation requires a combination of higher taxes, restricted availability, and enforcement of laws.
Governments should use public health approaches, such as restricting marketing and availability, and investing in treatment for alcohol-use disorders.
Governments must monitor the effects of doorstep delivery on alcohol consumption and make adjustments if negative impacts are observed.
Companies offering alcohol delivery should provide accurate data to help assess the health and economic impacts, guiding future policy decisions.
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