As the Delhi Government notified the order extending the existing excise policy for a month, a majority of restaurants and bars started serving liquor in the city while around 130-140 private vends and stores remained closed on Tuesday as they were reluctant to get licences just for a month.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Government has formed two committees, including one for ensuring smooth transition from the existing policy to the old one. The other committee will formulate a new excise policy.
Top sources said that six zonal licensees have opted out of the extension and surrendered their licences, as a result of which, a total of 130-140 liquor vends will be closed now. This will further bring down the number from 468 to 330. A thin crowd was seen outside some of these vends which were opened in the early hours in different parts of the national Capital. A restaurant owner at Connaught Place said, “As the Government has extended the existing licence term for a month, we have decided to reopen it.” Meanwhile, the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has urged the Government to find a permanent solution as short-term extension may destabilise the supply chain.
A private liquor vend owner said that “it would not be profitable business if we agree to sale of liquor/beer just for a month.” “What will we do after August?” he questioned.
The Excise Department of the Delhi Government had on Monday issued orders for extension of retail and wholesale licences up to August 31, on payment of applicable fee for the period. From September 1, the Excise Policy 2021-22 will cease to exist and the Delhi Government will revert to the old excise regime and run liquor stores in the city through its corporations.
"Normalisation of trade with a clear and consistent policy perimeter is essential for supply chains to work efficiently. This is a loss to all stakeholders, be it the Government, manufacturers, traders or consumers.
We just hope that the Government works out a permanent solution very soon, for the rest of the year and for years ahead, which regains the sense of stability, predictability, and tranquility so vital for a vibrant trade and industry,” said Vinod Giri , director-general, CIABC while commenting on the Delhi Government’s decision to allow private vends till August end.“Start-stop-start mode or very short-term extensions, like a month, just disrupt the supply chain, creating stock pile ups or stock outs that take time to regain shape and flow,” Giri said.
Meanwhile, some shops selling liquor remained closed. "Since the shops were closed on Monday because there was no order on the extension till late Sunday night, many workers scattered. Also, stocks had been sold out as our licences had expired on July 31. So, shops will reopen after these things are taken care of," said a zonal licensee.
A few people were seen outside a liquor shop in Janpath area. The vend employees said the licences were being renewed and liquor would be stocked before business resumes normally. "There is liquor on the shelves, but they are not selling it and asking us to come later," said a customer outside the vend.
The four corporations— the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Consumer's Cooperative Wholesale Store (DCCWS), and Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC) have geared up to ensure supply of liquor through vends managed by them.
Officials privy to the development said that preparations are underway to chalk out a plan for sale of liquor at Government-run liquor vends managed by the four corporations. "Things will get clearer in the coming days," they said.