The BJP government has extended the current excise policy in Delhi for three months. The circular issued by the Excise Department said that the validity of L-1 (Indian liquor), L-1F (foreign liquor) and L-2 (beer) licensees has been approved to be extended till June 30, for which three months’ fee will have to be deposited.
This policy was first implemented in September 2022, when the then AAP government abruptly scrapped the controversial New Excise Policy (2021-22). This policy was also extended for six months in September last year, the deadline of which expired on March 31. In fact, a final decision has not been taken on the new policy yet, hence the decision to extend it has been taken.
The draft of the new policy prepared by the Delhi government is pending with the cabinet and some changes are expected to be made in it. Now that the new government has come to power, the reform process may take more time. In such a situation, it has been decided to continue the old policy for the next three months as a temporary solution.
There has been uncertainty over the liquor policy in Delhi for a long time. The new excise policy implemented in the year 2021-22 was cancelled due to corruption allegations, after which the old policy was implemented temporarily. However, this temporary solution has been in force for the last two years.
After the formation of the new government, it is expected that the new excise policy will be finalised in the coming months, which will provide stability to the process of liquor sale and revenue collection.
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