Premium liquor outlets likely to open in Delhi

The Delhi government is in the process of drafting a comprehensive new excise policy aimed at transforming the liquor retail landscape in the national capital. According to media reports, the proposed overhaul focuses on creating cleaner, more premium liquor outlets, aligning prices with neighbouring states, and potentially phasing out shops from densely populated residential areas.

As part of the policy formulation, a high-level committee chaired by the Public Works Department (PWD) minister Parvesh Verma has initiated consultations with key stakeholders from the liquor industry. The panel also includes industries minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, home minister Ashish Sood, and senior excise department officials.

One of the key priorities, officials said, is to streamline the availability of premium national and international liquor brands, many of which are currently scarce or unavailable in Delhi. This scarcity has driven consumers to nearby states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, leading to revenue losses for the Delhi government. “The new structure will be designed to ensure that Delhi does not suffer revenue losses due to price disparities with neighbouring regions,” a government official was quoted as saying in media reports.

The government also plans to study the excise regimes of surrounding states to create a more competitive and uniform pricing strategy, thereby reducing cross-border purchases and associated revenue leakage.

Another critical aspect under consideration is the relocation of liquor vendors from residential neighbourhoods. Sources suggest that zoning norms may be introduced to gradually phase out alcohol outlets from densely inhabited areas, a move aimed at addressing public concerns around safety and the social impact of alcohol sales.

A significant transformation being proposed is the introduction of a "clean and premium outlet model". Under this plan, liquor shops will be required to maintain high hygiene standards, be well-lit, and offer a welcoming environment. The goal is to create spaces where even women feel safe and comfortable making purchases, marking a departure from the often-crowded and poorly maintained outlets currently seen in the city. “It’s time to move beyond the perception of liquor shops as unsafe and unsightly spaces,” Parvesh told media persons.

So far, the committee has engaged with four major industry bodies, including the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies and the Brewers’ Association of India. A second round of consultations involving retailers and local stakeholders is expected next week.

The current excise policy, which replaced the scrapped 2021-22 regime, was implemented in September 2022 and has been extended until March 31, 2026. The new policy will take effect thereafter.