Is the old excise policy in Delhi still valid since the government hasn’t made a new one?

New Delhi: Possibility of Increasing Old Excise Duty System

There is a possibility of increasing the old excise duty system implemented in Delhi on September 1 last year, according to sources. The current policy is set to expire on September 30, and the new policy is yet to be announced by the Delhi government. In July last year, the government had canceled the new excise policy and implemented the old policy following a recommendation for a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the implementation of the new policy by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

The existing excise policy was implemented on September 1, 2022, as a stopgap arrangement until the formulation and implementation of the new policy by the Delhi government. Originally set to end on March 31, the Delhi government extended it for six months until September 30. However, holders of excise licenses for the hotel, club, and restaurant (HCR) category have been facing difficulties in obtaining the police verification required for the renewal of their permits.

The Existing Policy Receives Extension

The current liquor policy in Delhi was scheduled to expire on March 31, 2023, but the Arvind Kejriwal government extended it for six months until September 30. The National Restaurant Association had previously highlighted the challenges faced by HCR license holders in obtaining the necessary police verification for permit renewal.

According to Manpreet Singh, the treasurer of the National Restaurant Association, the police have stated that the verification process needs to be conducted through a government agency or department, and they are unable to conduct a large number of verifications in a short time. However, Singh claims that the excise department has provided assurance that there will be no issues in renewing HCR category licenses due to police verification.

Summary:

• The old excise duty system implemented in Delhi on September 1, 2022, may see an increase.
• The current policy is set to expire on September 30.
• The Delhi government is yet to announce the new policy.
• Holders of excise licenses for the HCR category are facing difficulties in obtaining required police verification for permit renewal.
• The existing policy received a six-month extension until September 30.
• The excise department has assured no problems in renewing HCR category licenses due to police verification.