Delhi drinkers left dry after government’s alcohol policy U-turn

The change comes after unprecedented discounts on alcohol were offered by shopkeepers in preparation for the new policy. Photograph: Rajat Gupta/EPA

All over the Indian capital, the sound of metal shutters being pulled down at off-licences has left drinkers high and dry.

The dry spell, expected to last until 1 September, is the result of Delhi’s government scrapping a new alcohol policy that would have allowed private companies to operate off-licences.