Mint Primer: The twists and turns of Delhi’s liquor policy

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Delhi’s liquor policy has seen numerous changes, stirring controversy and confusion over the years. It has even led to arrests and business losses.

The latest flip-flop came last week. Mint explains the development. In November 2021, Delhi’s Aam Aadmi Party government privatized liquor sales, largely to increase revenue.

By August 2022, the policy was scrapped. A CAG report later accused the party of giving unfair advantage to liquor licensees, causing over ₹2,000 crore in losses to the exchequer. This led to over 400 private stores closing, and a return to the days of shops run by four firms: Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation, and Delhi Consumer’s Cooperative Wholesale Store.

On 10 January, the four government agencies met alcohol distributors and private associations to implement a new ‘fixed-ordering’ system, despite the election code of conduct being in force. The circular handed to the distributors said that Delhi lacks a diverse range of affordable liquor, especially in whisky, and that the excise department aimed to curb the promotion of lesser-known brands. It referenced research from 2017-2019, accusing “collusion" and “brand pushing" of lesser-known brands and Punjab-made whiskies.

The excise department saw this as evidence of malpractice. Read more: Mint Primer | Telangana liquor crisis: What just went wrong? The circular named several whisky brands from Punjab that are being sold across the capital city. The list of “disproportionately promoted" brands includes Royal Green (ADS Spirits); All Seasons (The Oasis Group); White and Blue (Alcobrew);