Delhi excise department extends existing excise policy for another year

The Delhi Excise Department has extended the existing liquor policy — which was brought back in September 2022 following the scrapping of a now-retracted liquor policy — for another fiscal year, starting April 1 this year to March 31, 2025.

According to officials, the department has asked all the hotels, clubs and restaurants (HCRs), wholesale and other distributors to renew their licence on or before March 31, for the fiscal year. It has also revised licence fees charged by HCR licensees, with an increase of 10 per cent for the next 12 months.

“The fee for liquor service round the clock for 4 and 5 star hotels, and 5 star deluxe and above category hotels and motels (deluxe) shall be an additional 50 per cent of the basic annual licence fee of that particular restaurant… All the five star and above category hotels, who have already taken permission for opening one or more L-16/L-16F units, round the clock (24X7), have to apply for permission afresh for the next licensing year. The scheme is open to all the hotels classified under 4 and 5 star, and 5 star deluxe and above category,” read the Excise Department’s order. Those failing to submit their renewal application on time would not be able to serve liquor in their premises.