Top News

new liquor policy

Delhi government is soon going to release the draft of its new excise (liquor) policy, in which many major changes can be made regarding the sale of liquor. According to the report of Economic Times, only government liquor shops will remain operational under the new policy. These shops will be bigger, better designed and mostly built in malls or shopping complexes, so that people can get a better shopping experience.

Only government liquor shops will remain operational in Delhi

According to officials, the current system will be continued in the new policy, in which four government agencies DSIIDC, DTTDC, DSCSC and Delhi Consumer Cooperative Wholesale Store operate all the liquor shops in the capital. This means that the liquor shops of private companies will not return. At present there are more than 700 government liquor shops in Delhi, many of which are small and crowded. In the new policy, there is a plan to make these shops modern and customer-friendly.

Shops will be away from residential areas and schools

The new policy also proposes that liquor shops be kept away from schools, religious places and residential areas. The government wants that the liquor sales business should be run with social responsibility, so that there is a balance between commercial interests and public interest. A high level committee headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has prepared this draft. This committee studied the liquor policies of other states and after discussing with manufacturers and traders, has prepared a transparent and socially responsible framework.

Big change in profit margin

In the new policy, there is a proposal to end the system of fixed profits of liquor shopkeepers. At present, shopkeepers get a fixed profit on every bottle. ₹ 50 on Indian brands (IMFL), ₹ 100 on foreign brands Officials say that due to this, retailers do not show interest in carrying expensive or premium brands. In the new system, the profit structure will change according to the brand and price, which will increase the variety of premium liquor in the shops and give more choices to the customers.

Why not the return of private liquor shops?

In 2011-22, the Aam Aadmi Party government had approved private shops instead of government shops to increase liquor sales. But this policy faced allegations of corruption and was later cancelled. Government liquor shops were opened again from September 2022. At present this arrangement will continue till 31 March 2026.

When will the new policy come into effect?

The draft of the new excise policy will be finalized in the next meeting of the committee. After this it will be sent to the Delhi Cabinet and the Lieutenant Governor for approval. After getting approval, it will be made public to take suggestions from the public. The objective of the new policy is to make liquor sale in Delhi transparent, responsible and customer-friendly. That means a clean liquor system with modern shops, better management and strict location rules.