Those looking forward to private liquor stores reopening in Delhi might need to wait a little longer as the government has decided to extend the existing policy, likely for another six months, allowing only government vends to operate in the national capital.
According to sources, the file related to extending the existing policy beyond September 30 has been submitted to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for approval.
“Once the CM accords his approval, the file will be moved to the Lieutenant Governor for further nod. After the authorities concerned approve the proposal for extension, the licencees will have to renew the licences on a pro-rata basis for a further period of six months,” said
sources.
After scrapping the new policy, the Delhi government brought back the old Excise policy with the condition that only government liquor vends would operate in the capital. The policy was initially implemented for six months, till the Excise department prepared a new policy for 2023-24.
The old Excise regime, which is in operation presently, expires on September 30. However, the new policy is yet to be prepared.
Currently, the city has 652 liquor vends operating under four government corporations – DSIIDC (Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation), DTTDC (Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation), DSCSC (Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited), and DCCWS (Delhi Consumer’s Cooperative Wholesale Store Limited).
To provide the public with a good walk-in experience with less crowd and better brands, about 48 “premium” liquor vends have been opened under all four corporations across the city, especially in upscale areas, malls, and big markets.
Most of these shops have been opened in malls, and prominent markets such as CP, Saket, Vasant Kunj, Mayur Vihar, South Extension, Khan Market, INA, Lodhi Colony, Greater Kailash, and other places. The size of most of these liquor vends is between 400 square feet and 1400 sq ft, with shops in upscale areas, popular markets, and malls between 900 sq ft and 1400 sq ft in size.
Besides, the department has also given permission to microbreweries. At present, the city has five places that offer freshly brewed beers.
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In the last year, the department has collected Rs 7,285 crore, including Rs 2013.44 crore as Value Added Tax (VAT) collection.
A total of 61 crore liquor bottles were sold during this period.
On average, the revenue collection between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023, has been higher than the amount collected in the 11-month period between October 2021 and August 31, 2022.
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