The Delhi government bid adieu to the retail liquor business as a new excise regime is set to hit the city markets , with swanky liquor outlets having walk-ins and some having tasting facilities to enhance the user experience. Tuesday was the last business day for nearly 600 government-run liquor shops operating across the national capital. As per the new excise policy, the liquor business will now be handled completely by private players.
Under the new regime, the city will have 850 swanky liquor vends where people will be able to walk in and choose the brand of their choice as they do in shopping malls. With the new regime in place, the L-17 licensees, which include independent restaurants or gastro-bars, may serve any Indian or foreign liquor in any area like balcony, terrace, lower area of the restaurant with the condition that the alcohol serving area be screened off from public view.
They can also play live music and have professional performances, bands, DJs, karaoke , singing and dancing at the premises. Excise Department officials said that new liquor vends will remain open from 10 am to 10 pm.
As per the new excise policy, which was put in the public domain in July this year, classy liquor vends will be set up in 32 zones across the city. One retail licensee will have 27 liquor shops per zone.
The new policy aims at revolutionising the consumer experience by replacing the existing liquor vends in the nooks and corners of the city with posh and stylish liquor stores spread over at least 500 square feet area with walk-in facilities. These shops will be spacious, well lit and air-conditioned.
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