The recent introduction of a liquor-booking application in Delhi has sparked significant political debate, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leading the criticism. The app, which allows users to order alcoholic beverages online and collect them from designated stores, has been labelled by AAP leaders as a misguided initiative prioritising alcohol over essential public services.

Saurabh Bharadwaj, an AAP leader, issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the government to withdraw the app, threatening protests if it remains operational. Manish Sisodia, another prominent AAP figure, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the government should focus on pressing issues such as healthcare and education rather than facilitating liquor purchases.

The controversy surrounding the app is compounded by Delhi’s tumultuous history with liquor policies, which has previously placed the AAP government under scrutiny. Bharadwaj also made a pointed remark about Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, using the slogan, “Har Har Rekha, Ghar Ghar Theka,” to highlight what he perceives as misplaced priorities. The AAP’s criticism reflects broader concerns regarding the implications of such an initiative on public welfare.

Functionality and User Experience of the App

The Delhi Liquor Booking app, launched by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), has faced significant technical issues since its rollout. Users attempting to access the app reported difficulties, including prolonged login times and frequent disconnections.

Testing conducted by India Today Digital revealed that the app’s performance was inconsistent, with many users experiencing error messages and unresponsive pages. At various DSIIDC outlets, the app displayed inaccurate stock information, listing popular items as unavailable.

For instance, both whisky and wine were marked out of stock at the Saket Square Mall location, while another outlet encountered errors during the booking process.  Such glitches raise concerns about the app’s reliability, particularly regarding its primary function of confirming product availability before users travel to stores.

Additionally, the app was not found on Apple’s App Store, limiting accessibility for iPhone users. Reviews on the Google Play Store highlighted ongoing complaints about its performance, including slow loading times and inaccuracies in product listings. The app’s user interface has also been criticised for lacking intuitiveness, further complicating the booking process.

Details of the Liquor-Booking Service

The DSIIDC has made the online liquor-booking service available across 208 outlets in Delhi, aiming to streamline the purchasing process. Users can browse available brands, select bottle sizes, and make payments online, receiving a QR code for collection. This initiative is designed to reduce long queues outside shops and enhance transparency in pricing.

However, the service does not include home delivery, requiring customers to collect their orders within 48 hours. Restrictions are in place, allowing individuals aged 25 and above to book a maximum of nine litres of spirits or 18 litres of beer. While the app aims to improve convenience, users have reported challenges in finding their preferred brands due to inconsistent stock levels.

The ongoing political discourse surrounding the app highlights the sensitive nature of liquor policies in Delhi. The AAP’s historical context, including previous controversies over liquor regulations, adds another layer of complexity to the current situation. As the app faces scrutiny, its future effectiveness in serving the public remains uncertain, especially amidst the political tensions it has generated.

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