CAPITAL’S NEW EXCISE POLICY TO KICK IN FROM NOVEMBER 17

NEW DELHI: All newly appointed liquor retailers in Delhi’s recently carved out 32 excise zones will have to start operations from November 17, the Delhi government said in an order on Friday. The move will mark the exit of the Delhi government from the retail business of liquor under the new excise policy in the national capital.

“...The Government of NCT of Delhi has approved the new Excise Policy 2021-22, which is being implemented and the new retail licenses are scheduled to start from November 17, 2021,” the said. By appointing new retail licensees, the Delhi government is trying to pave the way for a range of sweeping reforms to boost the city’s revenue and crack down on the liquor mafia.

NEW DELHI: All newly appointed liquor retailers in Delhi’s recently carved out 32 excise zones will start operations from November 17, the Delhi government said in an order issued on Friday night.

“...The Government of NCT of Delhi has approved the new Excise Policy 2021-22, which is being implemented and the new retail licenses are scheduled to start from November 17, 2021,” stated an order issued by the state excise department.

The move will mark the exit of the Delhi government from the retail liquor business under the new excise policy in the Capital.

By appointing new retail licensees, the Delhi government is trying to pave the way for a range of reforms to boost the city’s revenue, to crack down on the liquor mafia and improve user experience under the new excise policy.

The state excise department on June 10 had extended the validity of all existing retail licences — including L6, L6FG, L6FE/L-14 (beer license) — till September 30. The excise order on Friday has now extended its validity till November 16.

However, country liquor vends will operate till March 31, 2022, until the new country liquor policy is framed.

After Friday’s order, all government liquor vends will operate only till November 16 -- one day prior to the scheduled date of commencement of business for new licenses (L-7Z). The opening of the new retail outlets will, however, be subject to payment of the proportionate license fee. As of now, Delhi government agencies run nearly 60% of the total 850 retail liquor shops in the city.

A senior excise official said the appointed licensees have been asked to build their liquor vends, adding that a complete turnaround of customer experience will take some time as they will need time to find land space and construct stores.