Five microbreweries in city, two more soon

“There were provisions for microbreweries and draught beer under the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 but they were not implemented as the revised terms and conditions under the new policy were not notified on time. However, under the old regime, we have approved terms and conditions and are allowing microbreweries to set up in Delhi,” said an official.

The official added that the department has conducted inspections at more places and is waiting for clearance from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Once the work is completed, the two entities will also get the approval soon, said an official.

According to a list from the department, Effingut in Saket, Evergreen in Janpath, Ministry of Beer in Connaught Place, Royal Brewer at Hotel Royal Plaza, and Fort City Brewery in Hauz Khas Market are functional.

The two companies which have also applied for licences are Route 4 in Ambience Mall in Vasant Kunj and Flow Brew and Dine at DLF Avenue Mall in Saket.

“People, especially youths, prefer fresh beer over artificial, canned or bottled beer. Fresh beer is also in high demand, so, it will create revenue and people will have options,” said the official.

With the new terms and conditions, more companies, restaurants, and hotels with licences L-16, L-17, L-18 and L-19 can apply for establishing microbreweries. The interested owners will have to apply for the L-11 licence for retail vends of beer manufacturing by microbrewery.

As per the conditions, a microbrewery may be set up where draught beer is manufactured and served to customers for consumption on the premises with an installed capacity of not more than 500 litres per day, subject to clearance by the DPCC on pollution control and submission of a project report. However, the price of such beer is not decided by the excise department.

The licensees fix the price for the brewery beers, said the official.