Delhi’s new liquor stores reopen today; check out the updated pricing, hours of operation, and other data

The Delhi government said goodbye to the retail liquor sector on Tuesday at midnight, as part of the new tax regime.

Under the new excise policy, private actors will now be responsible for the entirety of the liquor distribution sector. Liquor prices in the capital are expected to rise under the incoming administration.

Highlights :

• In Delhi, 850 exquisite booze vending machines will be erected, where clients will be able to stroll in and select the brand of their preference.
• During the first few days of the new liquor regime, it is probable that there will be a scarcity of alcoholic beverages.
• The new liquor vending machines will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays.

As of Tuesday midnight, the Delhi government said goodbye to the retail booze sector, and a new excise system is slated to take effect in the city markets starting today (November 17). Walk-in liquor stores, as well as some with sampling facilities, are all poised to improve the overall customer experience in the near future.

There were roughly 600 government-run liquor stores in operation around the national capital on Tuesday (November 16), which marked the end of their operations. Under the new excise policy, private actors will now be responsible for the entirety of the liquor distribution sector.

Elegant liquor stores in Delhi that offer tasting opportunities :

In accordance with the new rule, the capital will be home to 850 upscale liquor vending machines, where customers will be able to stroll in and select the brand of their choice, just like they do in shopping malls. The new license holders will be able to begin selling alcoholic beverages in the city as of today.

With the new regime in place, L-17 licenses, which include independent restaurants and gastro-bars, will be able to serve any Indian or foreign liquor at any area of the restaurant, including the balcony, terrace, and lower area of the restaurant, with the condition that the alcohol serving area is shielded from the general public.

The venue can also host live music performances and professional acts such as bands, DJs, karaoke, singing, and dance in addition to the usual activities.

According to the new excise policy, which was made public in July of this year, high-end liquor vending machines would be installed in 32 zones throughout the metropolis. Per zone, one retail licensee will have a total of 27 liquor stores.

In order to revolutionize the consumer experience, the new policy proposes to replace old liquor vends located in nooks and crannies of the city with glamorous and stylish liquor stores that are at least 500 square feet in size and have a walk-in facility. Space will be provided, as will ample lighting and air conditioning at these establishments.

The policy also permits the establishment of five super-premium retail outlets with a total floor space of 2,500 square feet. In addition, a liquor tasting facility will be built at these ultra-premium retail establishments.

It stipulates that all new liquor outlets must be outfitted with air conditioning and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. The ordinance also prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages through grilling shops with customers swarming outside on highways and pavements.

It is possible that Delhi would see a temporary shortage of booze:

However, according to reports, there may be confusion and a shortage of alcohol on the very first day of the new liquor regime because about 250-300 vends are expected to be open on Wednesday, the first day of the new regime.

They also stated that numerous shops are still in the process of getting prepped for operation in several places. Officials with the Excise Department have stated that the new liquor vending machines will be operating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays.

Naresh Goyal, the President of the Delhi Liquor Trade Association, has stated that there is a possibility of mayhem in the beginning because all outlets would not be allowed to begin operating until Wednesday, as previously announced.

He stated that many shops are still in the process of being prepared in accordance with the new criteria, so it may take some time. “On the first day of operation, just 250-300 stores will be able to open their doors. There may be a shortage in the first few days due to a smaller number of stores opening, but this will subside as new vendors open their doors “Goyal expressed himself.

Officials from the Excise Department have stated that licenses have been distributed to all applicants in 32 zones, but that around 300-350 establishments are expected to open on the first day of the new excise system, according to the department.

According to them, temporary licenses have been issued to around 350 businesses, and the registration of more than 200 trademarks has been completed with the help of ten wholesale licensees. So far, the wholesale licensees have obtained nine lakh gallons of booze from a variety of different brands.

As a result of the Delhi government’s new excise policy, which takes effect on Wednesday, it is possible that liquor prices in the city would rise.

Prices of alcoholic beverages are expected to rise:

It is expected that the wholesale price of all types of liquor will increase by 8-9 percent, according to the Excise Department, which is now in the process of determining the maximum retail price (MRP) of brands that will be registered in Delhi.

In a recent order, the government stated that the impact on wholesale price due to the incorporation of factors such as central sales tax at 2 percent, profit margin for wholesalers, import pass fee, and freight and handling charges, as approved in the Excise Policy 2021-22, will cause a 10 percent to 25 percent increase for some brands of whisky (Indian manufactured foreign liquor), with fluctuation per unit ranging from 8 percent (Royal Stag Premier) to 25.9 percent (Blenders Pride

260 privately owned booze vends and almost 600 government-run liquor outlets operated in Delhi during the previous regime. The private booze vends had already ceased operations on September 30, and the government liquor vends, which had been in operation for one and a half months throughout the transition period, were forced to close their doors on Tuesday evening.

The Delhi government had already established instructions for placing orders and receiving liquor stock for forthcoming posh shops under the new regime, which were quickly followed by a flurry of activity. According to the officials, liquor vends operating under the new excise policy have already begun placing orders for the purchase of booze, which will begin on November 11.

edited and proofread by nikita sharma