Days after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta issued directions to stop illegal liquor supply in Delhi at a key meeting, the Excise Department has launched an extensive drive against the smuggling of illegal liquor and supply at unlicensed premises, said officials.
A senior official said that the ongoing drive was launched on April 11. During the drive, the department will conduct four surprise inspections and raids every week. “It has come to the notice of the Excise Department that liquor is being served at unlicensed premises in various parts of the city in violation of the Delhi Excise Act and Rules. Such unauthorised activities not only contravene the law but also result in a significant loss of government revenue. To stop this, the Excise Department is conducting a series of surprise inspections,” said the official.
Officials said that they have so far conducted inspections across West and Southwest Delhi on April 11. Four FIRs have been registered at different police stations for violation of excise laws detected by the inspection teams, said officials.
“Excise Department reiterates its commitment to ensure strict compliance with regulations and maintaining revenue integrity. Similar surprise inspections will continue in the coming weeks to bring more such establishments under the licensed regime and deter unlawful practices,” said the official.
The drive was launched following the meeting held last week by the CM where she directed the officials to stop liquor smuggling from neighbouring states and ensure revenue growth. “Illegal liquor smuggling will be completely stopped and revenue growth will be ensured. No loss of revenue will be allowed. Our government is committed to a transparent and effective excise policy,” Gupta said in a post on X following the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Excise Department is also working on a new policy aimed at boosting revenue and enhancing customer experience, said sources.
After the previous AAP government’s ambitious excise policy was scrapped in 2021 following an investigation by CBI, the old policy was brought back, which has been extended several times. Currently, the policy which expired in March, has been extended till June.
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In the current policy, the retail business of liquor is controlled by four government-run corporations — DTTDC, DSCSC, and DSIIDC. Delhi currently has a network of over 700 liquor shops and more than 900 hotels, clubs, and restaurants where alcohol is served.
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