“We have asked the four Delhi government corporations to open more premium [liquor] shops. They are working on it,” the official from the Excise department, was quoted as saying.
Since the excise policy of 2021-22 was scrapped in August 2020, and private operators were forced to shut liquor stores, the responsibility for managing all liquor sales in Delhi has shifted to four state-run corporations: Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi Consumer’s Cooperative Wholesale Store, and Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited.
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At present, there are over 45 premium stores operating at key shopping hubs and malls across the city, serving high-end customers. The official stated that these stores have proven popular, and with the festive season approaching, the government is keen to expand their reach.
The four corporations have been tasked with identifying and securing suitable spaces in malls and shopping complexes for the premium outlets. These stores are likely to be located in areas where spaces are available on rent, making it convenient for customers to shop in busy commercial districts.
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Currently, the four corporations manage 700 liquor stores, many of which are small outlets with a simple wooden counter where customers buy their preferred brands. The shift to larger, more modern premium stores is seen as an effort to enhance the shopping experience, particularly for the city’s high-end consumers.
The government hopes that the expansion of premium liquor outlets will boost revenue. According to officials, excise duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) collections have shown improvement this year, with revenue from liquor sales increasing compared to the previous financial year. In the first half of the current fiscal, the Excise department earned ₹3,047 crore in duty on liquor sales, compared to ₹2,849 crore during the same period in 2023.
Officials are optimistic that the introduction of more premium outlets will draw in more customers and contribute to Delhi’s revenue stream, amid the upcoming festive season.
