Government over-control and excessive taxation of liquor might satisfy our hypocrisy but could make real problems worse The long queues outside liquor stores last week attracted a lot of attention, commentary and government reaction.
Many people were dismayed that among the first things their compatriots did after the relaxation of the lockdown was to make a beeline for the liquor store.
In an unusual demonstration of alacrity, the Delhi government immediately imposed an additional 70% tax on retail liquor sales, ostensibly to put some brakes on demand and reduce coronavirus outbreak risks.
The sense of moral outrage was compounded after a Bangalorean customer triumphantly shared a ₹52,000 liquor store receipt on social media.