The Delhi government is set to unveil a new liquor policy draft in the coming month, as per sources familiar with the matter. The proposed policy aims to allow premium liquor brands to be sold in all retail liquor stores across the national capital, a shift from the current restrictions that have been causing revenue losses for the government. This move is anticipated to align Delhi’s pricing and availability with other areas in the NCR.
Discussions have also taken place regarding lowering the minimum legal drinking age for beer, although consensus on this matter has not been achieved. The decision to expand the availability of premium brands in all outlets is intended to increase government revenue while offering consumers a wider range of choices.
This development follows the withdrawal of the previous liquor policy initiated by the AAP government led by Arvind Kejriwal in 2021, which faced allegations of corruption and significant irregularities. The fallout led to the arrest of senior AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, and is believed to have contributed to the party’s recent electoral setback.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has emphasized that the new policy will prioritize social security and strive to mitigate any adverse impact on vulnerable segments of society. Proposed reforms include implementing quality testing of liquors, digitalizing the sales system, cracking down on illegal sales, and enhancing transparency in the licensing procedures.
Once the policy draft is submitted by the committee, it will undergo review and finalization by the Delhi Cabinet. Officials have highlighted that the objective is to rebuild public confidence and streamline excise operations in the capital. Further details of the policy are expected to be disclosed in the near future.