Panel submits draft of new excise policy to CMO for final approval

A committee headed by Minister Parvesh Verma has submitted the draft of the new excise policy to the Chief Minister’s Office for final approval, official sources said on Thursday.

According to officials familiar with the draft, hybrid liquor stores will no longer be allowed in the national capital and private players will not be permitted to run retail liquor outlets. Only government’s existing four agencies—DSIIDC, DTTDC, DSCSC and DCCWS—will continue to operate vends.

The legal drinking age will remain unchanged, as it was speculated earlier.

The draft proposes modernising liquor outlets and expanding the number of premium stores across the city. A minimum standard is expected to be defined for these premium shops. Provisions have also been made to allow outlets inside malls, shopping complexes and Metro station premises, subject to clearances.

Officials said the idea is to offer customers a walk-in retail experience similar to shopping in malls where products can be viewed and selected directly. At present, more than 794 liquor outlets are operational across Delhi through the four government-run agencies.

Sources said the draft policy bars liquor shops near religious places, schools and residential clusters. The excise policy has undergone multiple changes in recent years, and the government is now attempting to bring greater uniformity and control to the system.

To encourage premiumisation, the committee has recommended increasing the commission paid per bottle. Currently, government agencies receive about Rs 50 per bottle, but the draft suggests a higher margin, arguing that this will help support modern outlets and allow for a wider range of premium brands.

However, opening shops inside malls or Metro premises is expected to raise operational costs due to higher rentals. Officials said the higher commission structure might ultimately reflect in retail prices as operators will need to offset increased expenses.

The final policy will be notified after the Chief Minister’s approval.