Record Liquor Sales In Delhi During Festive Season With Rs 447.62 Crore Revenue

Delhi's liquor sales surged to Rs 447.62 crore during the festive season, selling over 3.87 crore bottles. Despite previous setbacks, the excise department reported a 7% revenue increase this year.

During the festive season, liquor sales in Delhi reached a new peak. Officials reported that over Rs 447.62 crore was earned from selling more than 3.87 crore bottles in just two weeks. This period, from October 15 to October 30, saw the sale of 2.98 crore bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and 89.48 lakh beer bottles through government-run stores.

On October 31, Diwali was observed as a 'dry day' with no liquor sales nationwide. However, significant transactions occurred on October 30, the day before Diwali. On this single day, 33.80 lakh bottles were sold, generating Rs 61.56 crore in revenue.

Excise Department's Revenue Growth

The excise department has seen a recovery this year with a 7% increase in revenue during the first half of the financial year (April-October 2024). Despite challenges from the withdrawal of the 2021-22 liquor policy, revenue rose to Rs 3,047 crore compared to Rs 2,849 crore in the same period last year.

Including VAT, total excise revenue between April and October 2024 amounted to Rs 4,495 crore. This is an increase from Rs 4,188 crore during the same months in the previous year. A senior official noted that despite disruptions in September due to ESCIMS software issues and transitioning to eAbkari in October, revenue flow is improving.

Impact of COVID and Policy Changes

The retail liquor sector in Delhi faced setbacks initially due to COVID-19 and later from withdrawing the new excise policy by the Delhi government. However, with operations stabilising under new leadership, officials anticipate better sales and revenue soon.

The appointment of Ravi Jha as the new excise commissioner has brought stability after months without a commissioner following his predecessor's transfer. This change is expected to enhance department operations and boost future sales.