Delhi's Liquor Shortage To Ease Soon As 500 Govt-Run Outlets To Open In September

The ongoing liquor shortage in Delhi due to the government's decision to roll back the Excise Policy 2021-22 is likely to ease by the end of August.

The government is likely to operate 500 liquor vends from September 1 across the national capital and 200 more are planned by the end of this year.

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700 outlets across Delhi

These outlets will be run by Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Consumer's Cooperative Wholesale Stores (DCCWS), and Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC).

Of these 700 outlets in total, each of the corporations will run five premium vends to sell high-end brands, it said. Two of these five vends are likely to be opened by the month end and the rest by December 31.

DTTDC will run its stores in zones 1-9, DSIIDC in 10-18, DCCWS in 19-24 and DSCSC in 25-30.

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Further, the report said, DTTDC will handle the airport zone, and DSIIDC will manage areas under Delhi Cantonment and New Delhi Municipal Council.

Only government-run liquor outlets in Delhi

Under the original policy only state-run outlets were allowed to sell liquor.

In the current excise policy that will end on August 31, retail licenses were issued to private firms for 32 zones and 849 vends.

Since the government decided to roll it back, private players will not be able to sell liquor in the national capital.

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Delhi is facing a liquor shortage

Though the government had extended the licences that ended in July till the end of August, many private outlets have already shut down.

At present, there are no liquor shops open in areas like Greater Kaliash, Daryaganj, Punjabi Bagh, Chittaranjan Park, Paharganj, Sarita Vihar, Anand Vihar and Shakarpur, among others.

This has resulted in a shortage of liquor in some parts of New Delhi.

Since March 31, a total of 16 out of the total 32 zonal licenses held by private firms have been surrendered.

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Those who have got their licenses extended are also not keen on placing big orders as they have a limited time of one month to clear the inventory.

The capital city is not experiencing the liquor crisis for just premium brands, even the non-premium brands are not available at many outlets.

The government has already invited applications for wholesale licences of Indian and foreign liquor sales under the new Excise Policy.

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