Clean, Modern & Socially Responsible: Delhi To Get New Liquor Policy Ahead of June 30 Deadline

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 11:57 IST

The existing policy, implemented in September 2022, replaced the Aam Aadmi Party government’s controversial excise model introduced in 2021

Officials said the draft aims to ensure the availability of quality liquor and will make the sale and distribution system transparent, modern, and accountable.

The Delhi government is in the final stages of drafting a new framework to regulate the manufacture, sale, distribution, and taxation of alcoholic beverages in the national capital, with the current excise policy set to expire on June 30.

The existing policy, implemented in September 2022, replaced the Aam Aadmi Party government’s controversial excise model introduced in 2021. The policy was scrapped following allegations of corruption and procedural lapses.

Since then, the policy has been extended multiple times in the absence of a new framework – the last time in March for three months between April 1 to June 30. Before that, the policy was extended in September 2024 for six months.

Speaking to News18, a government official said the policy will be inspired by other states, picking best practices being implemented there. The Chief Secretary is heading the committee formulating the policy.

“The committee is studying the excise policies of other states to adopt best practices that prioritise not only effective liquor distribution but also social protection… After the failure of the last policy, the current draft is being reviewed at multiple levels to ensure that it covers everything that is important," the official said.

The failed excise policy of the AAP was one of the poll issues raised by the BJP that ended Arvind Kejriwal’s victory streak in the Delhi assembly polls.

The official assured that the fresh policy being drafted will focus on quality and will offer a transparent system, keeping social security at the top.

Officials said the draft aims to ensure the availability of quality liquor and will make the sale and distribution system transparent, modern, and accountable. “The government remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring no adverse social impact, prioritising their safety, health, and peace at every stage," they added.

This latest policy is expected to be ready by June 30—the date the current rules will expire, if not extended further.

Scientific liquor testing, digitisation of sales

The new policy is being drafted with several reforms from the earlier versions—scientific testing of liquor for quality, digitisation of sales to improve transparency. The scope of corruption will also be checked with strict action against illegal sales and transparency in the licensing process.

The policy will also aim at revenue generation and consumer protection while maintaining social balance at the same time.

Earlier this week, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had said they consider the trust of the people of Delhi paramount. “Learning from past mistakes of the previous government, we are bringing a policy that will leave no room for corruption at any level," she said.

She highlighted that public awareness campaigns will be launched to curb the misuse of liquor along with strict monitoring against liquor consumption at public places.

Gupta promised that social security will remain the top priority in the new excise policy. “The government will ensure that the policy does not adversely impact sensitive sections of society," she said.

Nivedita Singh

Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived...Read More

Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived...

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