Delhi's new excise policy will mandate only government-run liquor stores, aiming to enhance consumer experience and promote social responsibility. This matters as it shifts the retail landscape and addresses past corruption issues.

Delhi's upcoming excise policy draft is poised to maintain a structure of only government-run liquor stores, moving away from private retailers. The government plans to modernize these outlets, ensuring they are larger and better designed, ideally located in malls and shopping complexes. Additionally, the policy aims to relocate liquor shops away from residential areas, schools, and religious sites to promote social responsibility. A significant change includes revising the profit margin system, which currently discourages retailers from stocking premium brands. This overhaul is intended to diversify product offerings and ensure fair pricing. The new policy follows the controversial previous excise policy that allowed private players, which faced corruption allegations and was subsequently rolled back. The draft will undergo public consultation after approval from the Delhi cabinet and Lieutenant Governor.