The old Liquor Policy regime saw a return as Delhi witnessed the opening of Government-run liquor vendors and the exit of private vendors from the retail business. The excise department claimed that four Delhi government undertakings have equipped 300 liquor stores across the city. However, trade experts said around 240 of them would open on the first day after closure of private vends on Wednesday.
So far only 130 IMFL (Indian-made foreign liquor) and 230 foreign brands have been registered by the Excise department. Hence, those who are fond of liquor may find their options have been narrowed down and limited. The return of old excise policy, which was in force before November 17, 2021, also means that discounts offered by private vends on liquor brands and schemes like one plus one free and one plus two free become a thing of the past for Delhi.
The excise officials also said that the issues and troubles are about to persist for some days but will gradually improve in the coming time. Stock of over 40 lakh alcohol bottles has been arranged by the department to meet the demand amid expectations of a sluggish sale of around 12 lakh bottles per day in September. The demand had scaled to 15 lakh bottles per day in August, officials said.
Vinod Giri, Director General, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), said initial days of switching back to the old excise policy is not going to be easy. Many L1 licensees (wholesalers) are in place and around 240-260 outlets are likely to start from day one, which will go up to 500 within a month, Giri said. "Stocks are already filling up in retail. However, consumers may find some popular products, especially imported ones, missing on shelves as they are yet to register, nor is there a clarity when will they register," he said. "This will impact hotels, pubs, bars and restaurants where such products are popular. Prices will also go back up as discounts are not permitted," Giri added.
The Excise Policy 2021-22, implemented on November 17, 2021, has been withdrawn by the Delhi government amid allegations of irregularities in its implementation. Out of 849 private vends issued licenses under the policy, about 250 were functioning that closed down on Wednesday.
Also read: Delhi excise policy: 300 govt vends to take over private liquor shops from Thursday
Also read: Delhi's private liquor shops to close from tomorrow
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