Delhi Excise Department Cracks Down on Liquor Violations
The Excise Department in Delhi has issued a stern warning to all liquor vends operating under government corporations following multiple consumer complaints and the discovery of serious violations during recent inspections. Officials confirmed that licenses will be cancelled immediately for any establishments found breaking the rules.
Multiple Complaints Trigger Strict Action
According to department officials, numerous complaints have been received from consumers regarding several issues at retail liquor stores. The primary grievances include unavailability of popular brands, systematic overpricing, selling alcohol to underage buyers, staff misbehavior, and public nuisance around the vends.
The situation reached a critical point when during a surprise inspection, an L-6 vendor operating under one of the four government corporations was caught selling adulterated liquor. This discovery prompted immediate action from the authorities.
FIR Registered and Licence Cancelled
Following the discovery of adulterated liquor at the L-6 vend, the Excise Department took severe action. An FIR was registered against the establishment and its license was cancelled permanently. The department emphasized that adulteration of liquor or mixing noxious substances with alcohol is classified as a major offence under both the Delhi Excise Act, 2009 and Delhi Excise Rules, 2010.
An official statement highlighted the seriousness of such violations: "Such acts not only bring disrepute and dishonor to the department but such spurious liquor can cause harm to public health and safety."
Current Liquor Retail Structure in Delhi
The crackdown comes in the backdrop of Delhi's current liquor retail framework. After the AAP's ambitious excise policy was scrapped in 2022, the old regime was reinstated. Currently, only vends operating under four government corporations are permitted to sell alcohol:
- Delhi State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (DSIIDC)
- Delhi Consumer's Cooperative Wholesale Store Ltd (DCCWS)
- Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC)
- Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (DSCSC)
The Excise Department has directed all four corporations to maintain strict vigil over their retail vends and ensure that no similar incidents occur in the future. They have also been instructed to address consumer grievances promptly and implement necessary corrective measures.
The advisory issued on Wednesday, November 15, 2025, serves as a final warning to all liquor vendors in the capital to comply with regulations or face permanent closure of their businesses.
