According to sources, the Delhi government is going to implement the new excise policy. The new policy seeks to increase duty on alcohol, if that happens, the liquor in Delhi is set to be costly.
New excise policy to be implemented in Delhi
In Noida, Ghaziabad & many adjoining areas of Delhi, people come to the capital, as alcohol is much cheaper in Delhi than in these areas. But the Delhi government now wants to increase its treasury by imposing duties. Delhi’s Kejriwal government had earlier hinted at bringing in a new excise policy for liquor and also set up an expert committee for the same.
Alcohol prices may rise
The report, which has been prepared by the Expert Committee, suggests a variety of reforms that could lead to higher prices of alcohol. Sources told IANS that after the new excise policy comes in, a number of changes may be seen. For example, the process of acquiring licenses for opening liquor shops will change. This will be applicable to both government and private contracts.
700-800 new liquor shops to open
However, there is some good news in this policy for alcohol lovers. Sources told IANS that the Delhi government will open 700-800 new liquor shops by implementing the new policy. In addition, the Delhi government can also reduce the age of drinking alcohol by 21 years, the number of dry days can also be reduced in Delhi.
The age of drinking will also decrease
Based on the expert committee’s suggestion, the Delhi government plans to increase its earnings from Rs 5000 crore to Rs 8,000 crore by raising prices of domestic and foreign liquor up to 50 percent.
On the other hand, other parties have objected to the proposal of reducing the drinking age to 21 years, but the Delhi government can stick to it. Last week, the Delhi cabinet had approved a group of ministers led by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who will oversee the new excise policy.
