Liquor policy extended for one year in Delhi, existing license rules will remain applicable, suspense remains on new excise policy
Since the new excise policy in Delhi is not ready yet, the government has decided to extend the existing liquor policy for one year. Earlier this policy was scheduled to expire on March 31, 2026, but now it has been extended till March 31, 2027. The government has taken this step to provide stability to liquor sellers and licensees. Along with this, work is going on on the motivation and rules for preparing the new policy, but no new announcement has been made at present.
As per the orders of the Excise Department, renewal of retail liquor licenses and new licenses will continue under the terms of the existing policy. Retail license categories L-6, L-6FG, L-6FE, LS, L-10, L-14, L-23, L-23F and L-30 will remain in force in 2026-27 as per the policy of 2025-26. This is the same policy, which is being continuously extended from 2022-23, due to which there will be no disruption in market operations.
Delhi Excise Department also informed that separate guidelines will be issued for different licenses related to sale of IMFL, foreign liquor, beer and country liquor. Additionally, licenses of hotels, clubs and restaurants have already been extended till March 2027, allowing continuity of liquor operations.
725 liquor shops in Delhi
At present, about 725 liquor shops are being operated through four government agencies in the capital Delhi. The new excise policy has not yet been implemented, although the group of ministers formed for this has submitted its recommendations to the government. According to officials, the government has not been able to take a final decision on the draft. It is noteworthy that in July 2022, the policy allowing sale of liquor to private companies was canceled due to allegations of irregularities. Since then, the government has been expanding the old duty-based system every year.
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