After continuous controversies in Delhi, AAP may prepare to return to old liquor policy

The liquor policy controversy in the capital has taken a new turn amid a tussle between the Lt Governor and the Delhi government, which is being conducted by the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police. With only two days left for the current excise policy to come to an end, the Delhi government has decided to go back to the old system of selling retail liquor for six months. The Excise Policy 2021-22, which was extended for two more months after March 31, will expire on July 31.

The Excise Department is still working on the Excise Policy 2022-23, which, among other things, favors home delivery of liquor. The Excise Department is with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and he has directed the department on Thursday to "revert" the old system of Excise Policy for a period of six months till the new policy comes.

Excise policy 2021-22 was extended twice after March 31 for two months each which will end on July 31. At the same time, the Excise Department is still working on the Excise Policy 2022-23, which, among other things, recommends home delivery of liquor. Officials said the draft policy is yet to be sent to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for approval. The excise department is with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and he on Thursday directed the department to "revert" the old regime of excise policy for a period of six months till the new policy is introduced. According to an official document, the finance department has directed the excise commissioner to coordinate with the heads of four corporations of the Delhi government for details of the liquor shops operated by them before the new excise policy comes into force from November 17, 2021.