Delhi to Expand Premium Liquor Availability Under New Excise Policy
Delhi is set to introduce a new excise policy that will make premium liquor brands available at all government shops, aiming for prices competitive with the National Capital Region. The policy may also allow exclusive beer bars and will impose excise duty on Bhutanese and Nepalese beer. The drinking age is expected to remain at 25 years.
The Delhi government is finalizing a revised excise policy designed to increase consumer access to premium liquor brands by making them available at all government-run vends, addressing previous restrictions that limited such brands to select outlets[1][3]. A key objective is to align prices with those in neighboring NCR cities like Gurugram and Faridabad, aiming to recapture revenue lost to these markets and discourage Delhi residents from purchasing liquor outside the capital[1][3][6]. The policy seeks to streamline the retail structure, with government corporations continuing to manage sales and no immediate return of private players[4][7]. To encourage retailers to stock a broader, higher-quality selection—including imported brands—the draft proposes increasing per-bottle profit margins, which are currently capped[4][5]. There are also plans to upgrade the shopping experience by opening larger, better-designed shops, potentially in malls and shopping complexes, to attract a wider customer base, including women[5]. While discussions about lowering the drinking age for beer took place, no consensus was reached, and the legal drinking age is expected to remain at 25 years. The policy will also introduce excise duty on Bhutanese and Nepalese beer. Overall, the changes aim to modernize Delhi’s liquor retail, boost government revenue, and improve consumer choice and convenience[1][4][5].
