The Delhi government’s excise department has started the process of issuing wholesale licences for country liquor in the national capital. This is the first major licensing step ahead of the rollout of Delhi’s new excise policy.
Officials said applications have been invited for the 2026–27 excise year, and the selected wholesalers will supply country liquor to government-run retail shops across Delhi.
Licence Validity and Eligibility
The wholesale licences will be valid from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with limited scope for extension.
Distilleries and bottling plants that are licensed by the central government or any state government are eligible to apply. Applicants must obtain:
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L-3 licence for wholesale supply of country liquor
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L-33 licence to operate bonded warehouses
Supply Rules and Quantity Limits
To avoid monopoly, the excise department has made it clear that no single wholesaler will be allowed to supply more than 33% of the total country liquor requirement.
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Liquor must be supplied in glass bottles of
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750 ml
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375 ml
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180 ml
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The bottles must follow a fixed ratio of 3:4:3
The estimated requirement for the year is around 300 lakh litres, with a possible variation of up to 25%.
Quality and Compliance Measures
The department has laid down strict guidelines on:
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Product quality standards
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Labelling and barcode requirements
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Monthly supply schedules
These measures are aimed at ensuring smooth and uninterrupted supply at retail outlets across the city.
More Categories to Follow
For now, applications have been invited only for country liquor. Officials said similar tenders for Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and foreign liquor will be issued after the new excise policy is officially notified.
The move follows a recent decision by the Delhi cabinet to keep licence fees unchanged.
New Excise Policy in the Works
Delhi has been operating under interim excise arrangements for the past few years. The upcoming policy is expected to:
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Simplify licensing procedures
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Improve liquor supply and brand availability
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Upgrade consumer experience through premium retail stores
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Reduce liquor outlets in residential areas
Officials said the new framework will also strengthen regulation across manufacturing, wholesale and retail operations.
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