Delhi liquor retail licences fully renewed ahead of deadline

All 713 government-run liquor stores in Delhi successfully renewed their retail licences by the evening of June 30, ensuring uninterrupted alcohol sales across the Capital, starting July 1. The timely renewals were confirmed by officials from the excise department and the four government corporations that operate these stores.

The licence renewal drive followed the Delhi government’s recent extension of the existing excise policy, originally framed for 2020-21, until March 2026. This marks the longest extension since the 2021-22 excise regime was scrapped in September 2022 amid controversy. The latest extension, announced on June 27, required all licencees to complete renewals to maintain legal continuity in operations.

The city’s retail liquor network includes outlets run by four state entities: Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) with 197 outlets, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) with 198, Delhi Consumer’s Cooperative Wholesale Store (DCCWS) with 146, and Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (DSCSC) with 172.

In parallel, most hotels, clubs, and restaurants (classified under HCR licencees) submitted their renewal applications, with the majority receiving approvals by Monday evening. However, those still awaiting licence clearance will face operational restrictions, such as being unable to place new liquor orders or shift stock from storage to bar counters, until renewals are finalised.

Rahul Singh, Trustee of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), confirmed that all active NRAI members in Delhi complied with the excise department's renewal directive. “Many operators did not anticipate paying a nine-month licence fee upfront, expecting a new excise policy. Fortunately, authorities offered a 30-day grace period for payments without penalty,” Singh said, urging timely compliance to avoid service disruptions.