New Delhi: The Delhi government has bid farewell to liquor retailing as a new excise regime will hit the city’s markets today. Tuesday was the last working day for nearly 600 government-run liquor stores operating in the nation’s capital.
New liquor stores in Delhi from today
In accordance with the new excise policy, the alcohol trade will now be entirely managed by private actors. Under the new regime, the nation’s capital will have 850 chic liquor outlets with walk-in access and some with tasting facilities to enhance the user experience.
Delhi Liquor Trade Association chairman Naresh Goyal said there was a risk of chaos at the start as not all stores will be able to start operating from Wednesday. He said that in many places stores were still being prepared under the new guidelines, which could take some time.
“No more than 250-300 stores will be able to operate on the first day. There may be a shortage in the first few days due to the reduced number of stores, however, this will end as new sales arrive,” Goyal said. . , reported PTI.
Will alcohol cost more?
The Excise Department, which is in the process of setting the maximum retail price (MRP) for brands to be registered in Delhi, said the wholesale price of all types of alcohol is likely to increase by 8-9% , reported PTI.
“Liquor prices may start slightly with higher rates in the early days, but it could also be the other way around. Eventually, prices are expected to stabilize and we can say with certainty that Delhi will be in strong competition with Gurugram to keep liquor prices low and offer attractive discounts, which has not been possible until now in the national capital. Said a senior excise official, who asked should not be named, said Hindustan Times.
The Delhi government had previously issued guidelines for ordering and receiving stock of alcohol for the next upscale stores under the new regime.
New liquor store hours
Excise department officials said the new liquor stores will remain open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Installations in new liquor stores in Delhi
- In accordance with the new excise policy, chic liquor sales will be set up in 32 zones across the city.
- A retail licensee will have 27 liquor stores per area.
- It aims to revolutionize the consumer experience by replacing existing liquor dispensers in nooks and crannies of the city with chic and stylish liquor stores spread over at least 500 square feet with walk-in access.
- These shops will be spacious, well-lit and air-conditioned.
- It should be equipped with video surveillance cameras.
- The policy also prohibits the sale of alcohol in steakhouses with people crowding out on the roads and sidewalks.
- The policy also allows for the opening of five super premium retail stores covering 2,500 square feet.
-With contributions from the agency
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