Beginning on September 1, the Delhi Excise Department will issue liquor licences

The Delhi government's decision to return to the previous excise policy regime has led to the excise department's decision to begin issuing wholesale licences for international and Indian liquor vends from September 1, according to authorities.

The government last Monday extended the expiration date of the retail and wholesale licences issued under Excise Policy 2021–22.

Beginning on September 1, government organisations will regain control of the city's retail liquor stores from private players, returning them to the former excise regime.

The cost of a wholesale licence for up to five foreign spirits brands (whisky, rum, gin, brandy, and vodka) will be Rs 15 lakh, plus an extra Rs 50,000 for each additional spirit brand, according to a notice from the excise department on Tuesday.

Up to five foreign brands of wine, beer, alcopop, liqueur, and mixed alcoholic beverages would be allowed with a Rs 7 lakh licence fee; an additional Rs 50,000 will be required for subsequent brands, according to the document. The cost of the wholesale licence for economy brands of Indian rum and whiskey (MRP up to Rs 140) is Rs 25 lakh per brand.

All other whisky will be subject to a Rs. 25 lakh licence cost. Beer will cost Rs 15 lakh, rum, gin, and vodka Rs 12 lakh, brandy Rs 8 lakh, wine, alcopop, liqueur, and mixed alcoholic beverages Rs 2 lakh, according to the department.

The wholesale licences will be issued for the 2022–2023 fiscal year. The excise department will continue to register brands throughout the year, it was said.