Excise Department to Open Premium Liquor Shops in Delhi Malls Before Year-End
The Excise Department in New Delhi plans to open premium liquor stores in city malls before the end of the year, taking advantage of the increased demand during the Christmas and New Year festive season. Liquor sales typically see a significant rise during this time, boosting city revenue.
The decision to reopen premium alcohol shops is aimed at capitalizing on this trend and recovering from the disruptions caused by the withdrawal of the 2021-22 liquor policy, according to officials. This initiative was part of the now-scrapped policy, which had seen the opening of over 40 such premium stores in malls after the AAP government allowed private companies to run liquor outlets in the city.
The new premium liquor shops will be larger than the existing ones and will allow customers to browse and select their preferred brands in a walk-in format. These stores will cater specifically to high-end Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), a category that has been missing from the shelves since the old excise policy was withdrawn and is currently under scrutiny by central agencies.
The four government corporations responsible for liquor sales in Delhi—DSIIDC, DTTDC, DSCSC, and DCCWS—have been briefed about the initiative and are preparing presentations to help finalize the plans for these new premium stores. Together, these corporations currently operate 695 wine and beer shops across the city.
