New Delhi, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Delhi government’s excise department has taken significant action against illegal liquor activities, registering 725 FIRs and arresting 730 individuals between April and August 2026.
In a statement, officials noted that efforts to curb the sale and trafficking of illegal liquor intensified during this period. The department seized 197 vehicles used for transporting illicit alcohol.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal liquor operations. She stated that an effective excise policy is being developed to eradicate these unlawful activities. The new policy aims to enhance public safety, ensure responsible regulation of the liquor trade, maintain quality, and boost government revenue.
Gupta highlighted the government’s priority of ensuring a sufficient supply of legal alcohol during festival seasons, aiming to prevent any inconvenience for residents while effectively combating illegal sales and trafficking.
According to the excise department, Delhi’s geographical boundaries connect with neighboring states, featuring around 70 entry points for both small and large-scale illegal liquor smuggling. In light of this, the enforcement wing of the department continuously monitors these routes and takes legal action against those involved in the sale or transportation of illegal liquor.
Comparatively, during the same period in the previous fiscal year 2025-26, the department recorded 315 FIRs and made 312 arrests. They also seized 112 vehicles and confiscated nearly 100,000 bottles of illegal alcohol.
This year has seen a marked increase in enforcement activities. Between April and August 2026, action was taken against licensed establishments for regulatory violations, resulting in seven FIRs. Measures included sealing related bars, imposing fines on violators, and initiating other legal proceedings.
With the festival season approaching, the excise department plans to ramp up enforcement efforts. The goal is to take strict action against those involved in the illegal liquor trade while ensuring the availability of legal alcohol in the city. This will be facilitated through retail outlets operated by government corporations and on-premises sales centers like hotels, clubs, and restaurants.
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