Delhi Govt Drafts New Liquor Policy; Aims At Price Parity, Safe Environment, And More

The Delhi Government is drafting its new liquor policy that holds the power to change the way alcohol is consumed and sold in the capital city. The new policy, which includes fresh approaches and major reforms, is currently under consideration. Meanwhile, the old policy has been extended until March 31, 2026, while the draft is finalized. Here’s what you need to know about this new liquor policy.

Delhi Government Drafts New Liquor Policy

With the new liquor policy, the Delhi government aims to establish well-maintained and clean liquor outlets, creating a more attractive and secure shopping environment.

The main aims of this new policy are to boost transparency, public safety, consumer satisfaction, and accountability in the liquor trade. This also includes curbing illegal sales and ensuring revenue growth for the government. 

The government aims to add the best practices from other states. To achieve this, they will form committees that will comprise senior ministers and officials to review and implement stakeholder feedback on potential reforms.

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What Changes Can You Expect In The Policy

The policy is expected to make scientific testing of liquor, use digital sales tracking, and intensify enforcement against illegal operations mandatory. 

Digitization will allow consumer protection and easier audit of the trade. Liquor outlets will have to meet higher hygiene and service expectations. They can do so by adopting a “clean and premium outlet” model.

To stop or curb the smuggling of alcohol and reduce revenue loss, price alignment with neighboring states (like Haryana and UP) is also being considered. Delhi hopes to match or stay close to regional benchmark prices.

It seems to streamline the sale of premium national and international brands, which have been in short supply due to earlier disruptions, aiming to reduce out-of-state shopping by Delhi consumers. 

Only Government-run Retail Stores Will Be Functional

A high-level committee is working on the drafting process. They are targeting reviews and recommendations after analyzing feedback from industry players and comparing regulatory frameworks from other Indian states.

Once recommendations are listed, the draft will be reviewed and approved by Delhi’s Cabinet, after which implementation and transition will begin.

Until the new policy is formally enacted, all shops continue under the status quo. This means only government-run retail, existing pricing, and no changes in retail licensing or wholesale terms. 

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Summing Up

The new policy will not only change Delhi’s revenue system but will also help in balancing consumer safety, health, and demand.