Delhi likely to introduce draft of new excise policy by next month

Tribune News Service

The Delhi Government is expected to introduce a draft of its new excise policy by next month. According to sources, the new policy may allow premium liquor brands to be sold in stores across the national capital at prices similar to those in the National Capital Region (NCR). Currently, such brands are restricted, resulting in revenue losses for the government.

Discussions have been held regarding reducing the legal drinking age from 25 to 21, but no consensus has been reached. “In the previous meeting, the Delhi Government discussed reducing the legal age of drinking alcohol from 25 years to 21. However, it was opposed. The same was also discussed in the meeting today, but no consensus could be reached,” a source said.

The BJP-led government’s new excise policy is being drafted to avoid controversy, unlike the previous policy introduced by the AAP government. A high-level committee, headed by Cabinet Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh, is working on the policy with a focus on transparency and social security.

“Keeping in view of the excessive campaign during the Assembly election by BJP against the excise policy by AAP, the new policy has been drafted to remain free from any controversy,” a political person familiar with the matter said.

The Delhi Government had extended the current excise policy until March 31, 2026, ensuring continuity until the new framework is formally rolled out. The current policy permits only government-run liquor shops and was implemented in August 2022 after allegations of an excise scam under the previous AAP administration.

At present, around 792 liquor outlets are operating across Delhi, run by four different government agencies: Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, Delhi Consumer’s Cooperative Wholesale Store, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, and Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation.