Smooth transitioning may solve liquor shortage, says liquor experts as Delhi awaits new excise policy

“Earlier we used to directly take liquor from the liquor companies but now as the government policies have changed, the way of our buying will be more in a channelized way through the authorised dealers and L1 dealers. But there is a time gap because policies are going to be changed or come into existence from 15th November,” shared Udit Bagga, Co-Founder, OTB Courtyard.

There’s no denying that this channelizing will help the sector grow and would encourage more authorized buying of liquor brand. But at the moment restaurants fear a huge loss of sale because there are certain brands that have started to vanish from the market, the unavailability of these brands may cause a new problem for the already troubled restaurant industry that has just started to recover from the pandemic.

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“The liquor vendors are keeping low stocks online because they know the policies are soon going to be changed. We are going to face a shortage so not to face that we are trying to stalk the same for next 2 months,” added Bagga by pointing that this needs an additional capital because we have to pay advance to buy liquor and it's an additional working requirement, which requires more storage insurance.

"It is no secret that restaurants go through tough times where policies changes every now and then but keeping ourselves stalked up before hand is what we are planning to do to save ourselves from future hurdles," shared one of the restaurant owner.

“This is a very burning issue as customers are unable to find many brands in either the restaurants or retails outlets. Hence, they are forced to source this from either their friends, relatives or other people living in Noida or Gurgaon. I think it’s necessary to make this transition very smooth,” pointed Abhinav Jindal of Bee Young Craft beer by adding that this is a welcome move and if retail outlets are allowed to function till the time the transition happen this may end customer problem.

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"The taller the building the deeper you have to dig, the policy in Delhi wil have a good imapct for hcb industry, as before supplies were through government portals now with privatisation, good deals and credit periods will be given by private companies and greater choice for consumers. For the two months time period costumers should by their alcohol from neighbouring states," added Vatsal Goel, Owner, The Weekend Wine and More.

Experts were also of the opinion that if any stocks are left behind it will attract high amount of duty which will not be recoverable so they will have massive loss. Hence, the government has to look into it in a wholesome manner so that everything moves smoothly.