New Delhi – The Delhi government’s excise department has launched a significant licensing exercise by inviting applications for wholesale permits country liquor distribution across the National Capital Territory. This initiative represents the first major step ahead of implementing a comprehensive new excise policy that will reshape the capital’s liquor supply framework.
Tender Process and Coverage
According to officials, the tender process for wholesale permits country liquor has been launched for the 2026-27 excise year. The licensing framework will cover wholesale supply operations to government-run retail vends across Delhi. This systematic approach aims to ensure organized distribution channels and adequate availability of country liquor at authorized retail outlets throughout the capital.
Eligible distilleries and bottling plants licensed by the Central government or any state government can apply for these wholesale permits country liquor opportunities. The licensing structure requires applicants to obtain L-3 licences, which specifically permit wholesale supply of country liquor, along with the mandatory L-33 licence required for operating bonded warehouses.
Licence Validity and Extensions
Officials confirmed that the wholesale permits country liquor will be valid from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, aligning with the excise year calendar. The department has incorporated provisions for limited extensions beyond this period, providing flexibility for administrative continuity and preventing supply disruptions during transition periods.
This one-year validity period allows the excise department to review performance, adjust supply parameters, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards before renewal considerations. The wholesale permits country liquor framework thus maintains administrative control while enabling business planning for licensees.
Supply Specifications and Volume Estimates
The wholesale permits country liquor come with detailed supply specifications designed to meet consumer preferences and market demands. An official explained that agencies will be required to supply liquor in glass bottles of three specific sizes: 750ml, 375ml, and 180ml, maintaining a fixed ratio of 3:4:3 respectively. This standardized approach ensures consistent product availability across different price points and consumer segments.
The estimated total liquor quantity for the wholesale permits country liquor programme is approximately 300 lakh litres for the year. However, officials noted that this figure is subject to variation of up to 25%, allowing flexibility to accommodate market fluctuations, seasonal demand changes, and other operational considerations.
Also Read: Women Safety Delhi Initiatives: CM Gupta Unveils Powerful Security Measures
Anti-Monopoly Provisions
A critical feature of the wholesale permits country liquor framework is the anti-concentration measure implemented by the excise department. No single wholesaler will be allocated more than 33% of the total supply, preventing monopolistic control over country liquor distribution in Delhi. This provision ensures competitive market conditions, prevents price manipulation, and maintains supply chain diversity.
This restriction on wholesale permits country liquor allocation reflects the government’s commitment to fair market practices and preventing concentration of commercial power in the hands of a few entities. The measure protects smaller players while ensuring healthy competition in the wholesale sector.
Quality and Regulatory Standards
The excise department has specified comprehensive standards for wholesale permits country liquor holders. These include quality standards ensuring product safety and consistency, labelling norms for consumer information and regulatory compliance, barcode requirements for tracking and inventory management, and timelines for monthly supplies to ensure uninterrupted availability at retail outlets.
These regulatory frameworks accompanying wholesale permits country liquor demonstrate the government’s focus on consumer protection, supply chain transparency, and operational efficiency. Licensees must adhere to these standards to maintain their permits and continue operations.
Future Expansion to Other Categories
Officials clarified that while the current invitation is limited to wholesale permits country liquor, similar application processes will be initiated for other beverage categories. These include Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and foreign liquor, which will be opened for licensing once the new excise policy is formally notified.
This phased approach to wholesale permits country liquor and other categories allows the department to manage the transition systematically, ensuring proper implementation of new procedures before expanding to additional product segments.
Cabinet Approval and Pricing
The applications for wholesale permits country liquor have been invited following Delhi Cabinet approval in its last meeting. The Cabinet decided that rates for issuing licences will not be revised, providing pricing stability for applicants and ensuring predictable business costs for the upcoming excise year.
New Excise Policy Framework
Delhi is currently finalizing a comprehensive new excise policy after operating under interim arrangements for several years. The wholesale permits country liquor initiative represents the first concrete step in this policy overhaul. The new policy is expected to redefine licensing norms, supply chains, and regulatory oversight across manufacturing, wholesale, and retail segments.
Officials have indicated that the policy objectives include streamlining procedures, improving supply and brand availability, enhancing consumer experience through premium stores, and reducing liquor outlets from residential areas. The wholesale permits country liquor framework aligns with these broader goals, establishing foundations for systematic policy implementation across all liquor categories in Delhi.
