Govt Premium liquor vends likely in Delhi

The Delhi government’s upcoming excise policy is expected to pave the way for modern, premium liquor outlets in malls, according to media reports. However, the policy is likely to retain the existing model where liquor sales are managed exclusively through government-run vends.

As per reports, the draft of the new policy, expected to be released soon, recommends continuing the current structure that allows only Delhi government corporations to operate retail liquor stores across the national capital. This effectively rules out the immediate return of private players in the capital’s retail liquor market.

Currently, four Delhi government corporations, Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC) and Delhi Consumers' Cooperative Wholesale Store (DCCWS), jointly manage over 700 liquor outlets.

The draft is also likely to propose a revision of profit margins for retail vends from the current ₹50 per bottle on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and ₹100 per bottle on imported spirits to incentivise more diverse brand offerings and improve profitability.