Offering multiple options, bigger brands and a better walk-in experience, 48 “premium” liquor vends have come up across Delhi’s upscale areas, malls and big markets so far.
After the AAP government’s ambitious new excise policy was scrapped last year, amid allegations of corruption and investigations by multiple agencies, the Delhi government brought back its old excise regime from September 1. Under this, only government vends can operate under four corporations — DSIIDC, DTTDC, DCCWS and DSCSC.
As the size of government vends is small, the government decided to open spacious “premium” vends where people can walk in and pick up alcohol without any hassle.
The aim was to open two vends under each corporation by August 31 and three more by the end of December. However, several have opened up in the past six months, said officials.
Of the total vends, 18 are under the DSIIDC. Key areas where these are located include Lajpat Nagar, Saket Square Mall, Vasant Kunj, Connaught Place, Malviya Nagar, Jangpura Extension, Bhikaji Cama Place among others.
Under the other three corporations, 10 premium vends each have been opened at upscale areas like South Extension, Khan Market, INA, Lodhi Colony, Greater Kailash and Mayur Vihar.
The size of most of these liquor vends is between 400 and 1,400 sqft. “300 sqft is the minimum for an L6 vend and 500 sqft for L10. There is no upper limit,” said an official, adding that the excise department has received more applications to open premium vends.
“Our aim behind opening premium vends is to maximise its sale in order to prevent black marketing and smuggling of imported liquor from neighbouring states such as Gurgaon, Noida and others,” said a senior government official.
