Exclusive: dunzo pauses alcohol delivery due to compliance, launches bike taxi in Gurugram

Google-backed task management app Dunzo has stopped delivering alcoholic beverages in Bengaluru, Gurugram as well as in Pune for past several days. Entrackr had multiple attempts to access the service in the above cities, however, the app says it can’t perform the task.

Authorities in these cities have raised concerns as alcohol delivery is not allowed under the ambit of existing regulations. At the time of launch in Gurugram, Entrackr had raised questions about liquor delivery on request without approval from administrative agencies (such as excise).

Responding to our queries then, dunzo explained that it's tweaking the product to ensure compliance and improving consumer experience. At this point, Dunzo partners may not be able to deliver alcohol to users.

Meanwhile, dunzo has launched its bike taxi service in Gurugram. We have been using it for the past three days. Currently, it operates in premium pockets in Gurugram such as Golf Course Road, Sushant Lok, Cyber Hub and sectors including 56, 30 and 54 amongst a few others.

To onboard riders, the company has been offering lucrative incentive structure. On completion of eight rides before 7 PM, dunzo offers Rs 900 to a rider while 12 trips fetch Rs 1,500.

In an email response the company has confirmed the full fledged launch of bike taxi in Gurugram. So far, it claims to have completed over 5,000 rides in the city.

The company has been piloting in the millennium city for more than five weeks. Gurugram seems to be the first city for dunzo bike taxi service. It’s also contemplating launch in Bengaluru, however, it seems to be taking more time.

With a chat based interface, it allows individuals to create ‘To do lists’ and collaborate with vendors to strike off the tasks from the list. Founded in 2015, the company’s task volumes primarily come from pickups and drops followed by buying and selling.

So far, the company had secured about $14.5 million risk capital across three rounds. Last month, it had raked in $12.4 million Series B round led by Google.