The new excise (liquor) policy in the capital Delhi has not been prepared yet. In such a situation, the government is preparing to increase the existing liquor policy once again. Officials said that work on the new policy has been going on for more than three years, but till now it has not received final approval.
The current policy is ending on March 31
The existing policy was extended for nine months in August 2025 and is ending on March 31. Officials say that if it is not extended till mid-March, the supply of liquor in Delhi may be affected. The Excise Department has sent a proposal that the policy be extended till March 2027. If this happens, it will be the longest extension of the current policy so far.
uncertainty in the industry
Representatives of the liquor industry say that the delay in the new policy has created confusion in the market. He says that neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan have declared their excise policies on time. In many states, a permanent policy of two to four years is implemented, which provides stability to the business. Industry organizations believe that a clear and long-term policy is needed in Delhi also, so that business, quality and revenue are not affected.
Background of return to old policy
The old system is in force in Delhi from September 2022. Earlier, the policy for 2021-22 was canceled after allegations of alleged irregularities. After the action of investigative agencies and political controversies, the government re-implemented the old policy. The new policy was initially scheduled to come by the end of 2022, but it got delayed due to the investigation, 2024 Lok Sabha elections and 2025 assembly elections.
The BJP government, which came to power in February 2025, has prepared a draft of a new policy, in which it is proposed to open government shops in a modern and large format. However, cabinet approval is still pending and currently retail sales are likely to continue through government shops only.