Delhi may face liquor shortage from Wednesday, all govt shops to be closed from midnight

Delhi may face liquor shortage from Wednesday, all govt shops to be closed from midnight

The new Excise Policy is being implemented in Delhi from November 17 and under this, all liquor retail shops will be shut down to pave way for swanky, new, privately owned shops that will begin operations from November 17. As many as 850 new private vends are set to begin operations under Delhi Government`s new excise policy.

However, it is being said that there may be a shortage of liquor shops in Delhi on the first day, that is Wednesday. As per an IANS report, there may be a liquor shortage in the city but gradually, all the liquor vends will open up.

In fact, with the closure of 600 government retail liquor shops operating in the national capital, the Delhi government will say goodbye to this business on Tuesday night.

“The liquor prices may start with slightly higher rates initially but will eventually settle down,” IANS quoted an official as saying.

Licences for the same have been distributed to all applicants in 32 zones.

According to Delhi government data, the excise department had kept a total reserve price for all the 32 zones at around Rs 7,041 crore, and have earned about Rs 8,917.59 crore through bidding.

This is the first time that all government-run liquor shops will be shut in the national capital and the business will be completely transferred to private players.

As per the new excise policy introduced in July, people would be able to walk in and choose the brand of their choice, akin to shopping malls at the new liquor vends. The policy aims at revolutionising the consumer experience by replacing the existing liquor vends with swanky liquor stores spread over at least 500 square feet area with a walk-in facility.

A liquor tasting facility will also be developed at these super-premium retail vends.

(With IANS inputs)

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