The Delhi government earned an excise revenue of Rs 7,430.97 crore in 2023-24. This increased to Rs 8,254.76 crore in 2024-25, an 11 per cent increase in one year. Compared to the previous financial year, liquor sales in the national capital increased by six per cent in the financial year 2024-25. In 2021-22, liquor sales (including beer) were 2.30 crore cases, which increased to 2.70 crore cases in 2022-23. Subsequently, it decreased to 2.19 crore cases in 2023-24 and rose again to 2.32 crore cases in 2024-25.
Decline In Indian Beer Sales Due To Policy Shift
During this period, a decline was seen in the sale of Indian beer. It decreased from 9,252,429 cases in 2021-22 to 7,026,220 cases in 2024-25, a decline of approximately 12 per cent over the three-year period. According to data from the Delhi Statistical Handbook, 2025, the sale of Indian beer had reached 12,282,082 cases in 2022-23, as a variety of brands were available at retail liquor shops operated by private players.
However, sales decreased to 7,723,750 cases in 2023-24 and further down to 7,026,220 cases in 2024-25, as government agencies were running the shops and popular Indian beer brands became less available. These figures reflect the disruption in the retail trade caused by the sudden withdrawal of the 2021-22 excise policy. The then Delhi government had withdrawn the policy in July 2022 amidst allegations of irregularities in its formulation and implementation.
Retail Shops Increase, Hotel Licences Dip
The number of retail liquor shops in Delhi, which was 673 in 2023-24, has increased to 714 in 2024-25. In the same period, the number of hotels, clubs, and restaurants with excise licences has decreased from 1,079 to 1,017.
According to the data, the number of registered liquor brands in Delhi has increased from 1,470 in 2023-24 to 1,579 in 2024-25.
New Excise Policy In The Works
Officials stated that the Delhi government is formulating a new excise policy which is likely to be implemented from the financial year 2026-27.