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

The Delhi Government is likely to introduce the draft of the new excise policy by next month, sources said on Friday.

They said under the new policy, the government may introduce premium liquor brands in the stores of the national capital with their price similar to those available around the National Capital Region (NCR).

As of now, under the existing policy, such brands are restricted, leading to revenue losses for the government.

The sources also indicated that as of now, no consensus has been reached regarding lowering the legal age for drinking.

“In the previous meeting, the Delhi Government discussed reducing the legal drinking age from 25 to 21. However, it was opposed. The same was also discussed in the meeting today, but no consensus could be reached,” the source added. The new excise policy of the BJP-led government is expected to stay out from any controversy in contrast to the previous policy by the AAP government.

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

It is being drafted by a high-level committee, headed by Cabinet Minister Parvesh Verma, with a focus on to formulate a transparent and socially secure excise policy.

Notably, the Delhi Government had earlier extended the current excise policy till March 31, 2026, ensuring continuity until the new framework is formally rolled out.

The current policy, which was adopted after allegations of an excise scam under the previous AAP administration, permits only government-run liquor shops. It was implemented in August 2022 following concerns raised about the previous policy.

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.