NEW DELHI: The Delhi government today, March 15, extended the ongoing old excise policy by 6 months. Meanwhile, government officials have been instructed to draft a new policy soon.

As per reports, the new policy has not been developed by the excise department. The current excise policy has been extended by six months as a result. There will be five dry days during the extended period: Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday, Buddha Purnima, Eid ul-Fitr, and Eid ul-Zuha.

On August 31 of last year, the Delhi government released its 2021–22 excise policy in response to claims of irregularities and favouritism in the issuance of liquor licences to private shop owners. 849 liquor vending licences were awarded to private companies through open bidding under the 2021–22 liquor policy.

But following the Chief Secretary's report and the accusations of favouritism towards private parties, Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena suggested that the CBI look into the policy. 

The government reverted to its old excise policy in September 2022, after withdrawing the excise policy 2021-22. The Delhi government withdrew the excise policy 2021–22 after LG VK Saxena suggested a CBI investigation into potential irregularities in its execution.

Manish Sisodia, a former deputy chief minister and minister in charge of the Excise division, was recently detained by the ED in relation to an alleged liquor fraud in Delhi.

The national capital currently has more than 950 hotels, restaurants, and clubs with the authorization to serve alcohol, along with 570 retail liquor stores.

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