Excise Department initiates city-wide campaign to halt liquor distribution at unlicensed locations and curb smuggling.

Days after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta instructed officials to halt the illegal liquor supply in Delhi during a crucial meeting, the Excise Department has launched a comprehensive crackdown on the smuggling of illicit liquor and distribution at unlicensed establishments, according to officials.

A senior official revealed that the operation began on April 11. As part of the drive, the department plans to conduct four surprise inspections and raids every week. “It has come to our attention that liquor is being served at unauthorized locations across the city, violating the Delhi Excise Act and its regulations. These illegal activities not only breach the law but also lead to a substantial loss of government revenue. To address this, the Excise Department is conducting a series of unannounced inspections,” the official stated.

Officials noted that inspections were carried out in West and Southwest Delhi on April 11. As a result, four FIRs have been filed at different police stations for violations detected during the inspections, they added.

“The Excise Department reaffirms its commitment to enforcing strict compliance with regulations and maintaining revenue integrity. Similar surprise inspections will continue in the coming weeks to bring more establishments under the licensed framework and prevent illegal practices,” the official emphasized.

This initiative was launched following a meeting convened by the Chief Minister last week, where she directed officials to stop liquor smuggling from neighboring states and ensure revenue growth. “We will completely eliminate illegal liquor smuggling and guarantee revenue growth. No revenue loss will be tolerated. Our government is dedicated to implementing a transparent and effective excise policy,” Gupta stated in a post on X after the meeting.

At the same time, the Excise Department is working on a new policy aimed at increasing revenue and improving customer experiences, sources reported.

Following the scrapping of the previous AAP government’s ambitious excise policy in 2021 due to a CBI investigation, the old policy was reinstated and has since been extended multiple times. Currently, the policy, which expired in March, has been extended until June.

Under the current policy, the retail liquor business is managed by four government-run corporations—DTTDC, DSCSC, and DSIIDC. Delhi now operates over 700 liquor shops and more than 900 hotels, clubs, and restaurants where alcohol is served.