Delhi's liquor consumers seek better options across borders
More and more Delhiites are heading to Gurugram, Noida, and Faridabad for their liquor runs—mainly because it's cheaper there and there's way more choice. This cross-border shopping is costing Delhi big time, with about ₹1,300-1,500 crore lost in tax revenue each year. The limited options at government-run stores in Delhi aren't helping either. To fix things, the city is working on a new excise policy to make buying alcohol smoother and more transparent.
Why Delhiites are heading to Gurugram, Noida for alcohol runs
Delhi switched from private to government-run liquor stores after 2021, but that move led to fewer brands and less competition—so only cheaper bottles tend to fill the shelves. Now, the government wants to shake things up again by possibly bringing back private retailers by June 2025. The goal: offer better choices for buyers and keep people from leaving the city just for a drink.