The Delhi government’s new excise policy draft, expected to be released soon, is set to bring major changes to the way liquor is sold across the city. According to TOI sources, the upcoming policy is likely to continue with only government-run outlets, bigger, better-designed, and preferably located in malls and shopping complexes, to offer consumers an improved shopping experience.
Government-Run Liquor Stores to Continue Across Delhi
Sources revealed that the new draft will retain the existing structure under which four government corporations operate liquor vends in the capital. This means no return of private players in the retail liquor business.
“The policy is expected to maintain the current model where the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC), and Delhi Consumers’ Cooperative Wholesale Store manage all liquor shops,” said a senior official.
Currently, over 700 government-run liquor stores operate across Delhi, many of which are small and overcrowded due to limited space. The new draft seeks to modernise these outlets, ensuring they are more spacious, well-stocked, and consumer-friendly.
Liquor Shops Likely to Be Moved Away from Residential Areas
The draft policy is likely to include a clause recommending that liquor stores be located farther away from schools, residential zones, and religious places. This move aligns with the government’s attempt to promote social responsibility while balancing business interests.
Officials said the high-level committee preparing the draft was formed in August by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The panel studied liquor policies from various states and consulted multiple stakeholders, including manufacturers and retailers, to create a “transparent and socially aware” framework for Delhi.
Profit Margin System to Undergo a Major Overhaul
One of the most significant proposals in the draft is the removal of fixed profit margins per bottle. Currently, retailers earn Rs 50 per bottle of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and ?100 per bottle of imported brands, irrespective of the brand or price.
Officials believe this structure discourages retailers from keeping premium brands in stock.
“Raising or revising margins will motivate retailers to stock a wider range of high-end products rather than pushing cheaper brands,” said an official involved in the drafting process. The revised system is expected to bring more variety to store shelves while ensuring fair pricing.
Why Delhi Moved Away from Private Liquor Retailers
This move comes after the controversial 2021–22 excise policy introduced by the previous AAP government, which had replaced government-run stores with private outlets to boost revenue. However, the policy faced corruption allegations during its implementation, prompting its rollback.
Following the controversy, private vends were shut down, and government-operated stores were reopened under the existing policy in September 2022. The current framework, which was initially temporary, has been extended multiple times and remains valid till 31 March 2026.
Policy Approval and Implementation
The new excise policy draft will be finalised after a formal meeting of the high-level committee, which was postponed on Friday. Once the draft is approved by the Delhi cabinet and the Lieutenant Governor, it will be opened for public consultation before being implemented.
The proposed changes indicate the government’s intent to create a more transparent, socially conscious, and consumer-focused liquor retail system, one that promises improved accessibility, modernised outlets, and stricter location guidelines.
Inputs from TOI
Government-Run Liquor Stores to Continue Across Delhi
Sources revealed that the new draft will retain the existing structure under which four government corporations operate liquor vends in the capital. This means no return of private players in the retail liquor business.“The policy is expected to maintain the current model where the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC), and Delhi Consumers’ Cooperative Wholesale Store manage all liquor shops,” said a senior official.
Currently, over 700 government-run liquor stores operate across Delhi, many of which are small and overcrowded due to limited space. The new draft seeks to modernise these outlets, ensuring they are more spacious, well-stocked, and consumer-friendly.
Liquor Shops Likely to Be Moved Away from Residential Areas
The draft policy is likely to include a clause recommending that liquor stores be located farther away from schools, residential zones, and religious places. This move aligns with the government’s attempt to promote social responsibility while balancing business interests.Officials said the high-level committee preparing the draft was formed in August by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The panel studied liquor policies from various states and consulted multiple stakeholders, including manufacturers and retailers, to create a “transparent and socially aware” framework for Delhi.
Profit Margin System to Undergo a Major Overhaul
One of the most significant proposals in the draft is the removal of fixed profit margins per bottle. Currently, retailers earn Rs 50 per bottle of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and ?100 per bottle of imported brands, irrespective of the brand or price.Officials believe this structure discourages retailers from keeping premium brands in stock.
“Raising or revising margins will motivate retailers to stock a wider range of high-end products rather than pushing cheaper brands,” said an official involved in the drafting process. The revised system is expected to bring more variety to store shelves while ensuring fair pricing.
Why Delhi Moved Away from Private Liquor Retailers
This move comes after the controversial 2021–22 excise policy introduced by the previous AAP government, which had replaced government-run stores with private outlets to boost revenue. However, the policy faced corruption allegations during its implementation, prompting its rollback.Following the controversy, private vends were shut down, and government-operated stores were reopened under the existing policy in September 2022. The current framework, which was initially temporary, has been extended multiple times and remains valid till 31 March 2026.
Policy Approval and Implementation
The new excise policy draft will be finalised after a formal meeting of the high-level committee, which was postponed on Friday. Once the draft is approved by the Delhi cabinet and the Lieutenant Governor, it will be opened for public consultation before being implemented.The proposed changes indicate the government’s intent to create a more transparent, socially conscious, and consumer-focused liquor retail system, one that promises improved accessibility, modernised outlets, and stricter location guidelines.
Inputs from TOI
