Now Delhi government is out of liquor business formally

Possibility of liquor shortage in Delhi as government-run liquor stores shut down. All you need to know about the new liquor vends in Delhi from November 17.

The Delhi government has exited the liquor business formally with shutting down of nearly 600 vends run by it from Nov 16th.

Under the new system, the government will be out of retail liquor trade, paving the way for closure of state-run shops and promoting private players in the national capital.

The new licence holders will start retail sale of liquor in the city from Wednesday November 17.

As per the new excise policy, which was put in the public domain in July this year, swanky liquor vends will be set up in 32 zones across the city where people would be able to walk in and choose the brand of their choice, just like shopping at malls.

The new excise policy aims at revolutionising the consumer experience by replacing the existing liquor vends in the nooks and corners of the city, with swanky liquor stores spread over at least 500 square feet area with walk-in, CCTV cameras & air conditioned facility.

It also bars selling liquor through grilled shops with people crowding outside on roads and pavements.

Business hours in the new vends in Delhi will be from 10am to 10pm and those at the airport may open round-the-clock.

Officials familiar with the transition process said the availability of liquor in the city may be affected in the first few weeks and that the prices may spike a little during the initial stage.

The Delhi government has already issued guidelines regarding placing orders and receiving the liquor stock for the upcoming shops under the new regime. These vends have already started placing orders for procurement of liquor from November 11.