Delhi to soon launch app to check liquor stock

The Delhi government is planning a tech-led overhaul of liquor retailing through an app based platform that will allow consumers to check real time stock and brand availability across liquor stores, according to a media report citing official sources.

The proposal is part of the draft excise policy, which has been finalised and is expected to be placed before the Chief Minister for discussion shortly, the report said. The proposed mobile application is designed to provide store-wise information on the availability of liquor brands, helping consumers avoid visiting multiple outlets in search of specific products.

As per the report, the system may also allow advance booking of select brands, although consumers would still be required to physically visit the store to collect their purchases. Officials told the media that the move is aimed at improving transparency, convenience and overall consumer satisfaction, while addressing complaints related to non-availability of brands.

A key focus of the draft policy is the monitoring of premium and high-end liquor brands. According to the report, the government plans to track instances of repeated non-availability of such brands and analyse patterns behind shortages. Backend analytics from the app would monitor frequent consumer searches for specific brands, helping authorities assess demand trends and initiate corrective measures where required.

The report further said that the data-driven approach is intended to ensure that supply gaps are not created artificially. The app is also expected to function as a regulatory tool to curb unfair trade practices. Officials indicated that the government would monitor whether liquor retailers are promoting select brands for higher margins, using sales data and consumer search behaviour to discourage brand bias and prevent store-level manipulation that could distort fair competition.

On the retail infrastructure side, the draft policy proposes rationalisation rather than expansion. As per the media report, a minimum distance between liquor shops in residential areas is likely to be prescribed to address public concerns over clustering. However, the overall number of liquor stores in Delhi will not be increased.