Delhi Plans New Liquor Policy: Cleaner Shops, No Outlets in Residential Areas, and Price Parity with Neighbouring States
The Delhi government is working on a new excise policy that aims to make liquor outlets safer, cleaner, and more customer-friendly. One of the key proposals is to shift liquor shops out of crowded residential areas, addressing long-standing public concerns about safety and social impact.
The government also wants liquor prices in Delhi to be closer to those in neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. At present, many premium Indian and international liquor brands are either unavailable or in short supply in Delhi, pushing buyers to shop across state borders and causing revenue losses. Officials said the new system will ensure better supply and curb such leakages.
A high-level committee, led by PWD minister Parvesh Verma and including industries minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, home minister Ashish Sood, and senior excise officials, has started consultations with industry stakeholders. The committee is also exploring the idea of a ‘premium outlet model’—well-lit, hygienic, and aesthetically designed liquor shops where even women customers can feel safe and comfortable.
Currently, liquor sales in Delhi are managed by four state-run corporations, with each outlet getting a fixed profit margin of ₹50 per bottle of spirits. While this system ensures uniform pricing, officials believe it limits innovation and customer experience.
The new policy, expected to take effect from April 1, 2026, will replace the current excise regime, which has been in place since September 2022. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has stressed that Delhi’s liquor policy must be both transparent and socially responsible.
