The Delhi government has made the city’s new excise policy public. It promotes a walk-in experience for customers at alcohol shops and microbreweries and allows bars in hotels, clubs, and restaurants to operate till 3 AM. The reforms are aimed at boosting the city’s revenue and also crackdown on the liquor mafia. The policy document, however, does not highlight home delivery of liquor which is part of Excise Rules.
Alcohol Rates In Delhi Will Now Get Cheaper
Alcohol rates in Delhi will now get cheaper with the new excise policy in place. As reported by Hindustan Times, new rates have been implemented on both Indian and foreign brands with up to 40% discount on the marked price of branded liquors. Most vendors brought down the prices of liquor which allows for competitive pricing. The increase in excise duty on liquor will raise the revenue of the government from Indian and foreign liquors by around ₹3000 crores.
Also, the number of dry days will be reduced in the Capital and operational hours of restaurants and bars will be extended. Also, state-owned liquor stores will have a target to fulfil every month by selling Indian, foreign and country liquor. Speaking about the decision, the committee has said that the state doesn’t have many options to augment revenue in a pandemic-stricken industry.
Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Residents Will Now Need A License To Store & Drink Alcohol At Home
Delhi To Have Fewer Number Of Dry Days
Delhi government has planned to increase the excise duty on liquor, which will increase liquor prices by nearly 50 percent. Also, to ensure that crowds in the Capital do not flock to the pubs in Gurgaon and Noida, the authorities are reducing the number of dry days. There will also be an extension in the operational hours of pubs and restaurants in the Capital. The committee has also planned to lower the drinking age in Delhi from 25 to 21. Thus, though the prices are hiking, Delhiites will be able to enjoy these new relaxations on liquor.
According to a MoneyControl report, the committee has said, “Given the sensitivity around Petrol and Diesel pricing, the consumer-facing taxation of electricity, and given the pandemic-stricken real estate industry, the state isn’t left with many options to augment revenues. The AlcoBev trade in Delhi must be investigated for possible areas of revenue leakages/gaps.”