Over Two Dozen FIRs Filed in Excise Department’s Ongoing Enforcement Drive
New Delhi, May 10 — The Delhi government has ramped up its crackdown on unauthorized liquor sales, launching an aggressive enforcement campaign targeting hotels, clubs, and restaurants operating without valid excise licenses.According to officials, between January and April 2025, the Excise Department carried out raids at 40 different establishments across the city. These operations resulted in 24 First Information Reports (FIRs) being filed against eateries found serving alcohol illegally.
An official from the department highlighted that nearly 1,000 establishments are estimated to be serving liquor without proper licensing. These include locations across West Delhi and North West Delhi, where a significant number of unlicensed premises were discovered.
“These unauthorized venues evade licensing fees and excise duties, leading to substantial revenue losses for the government,” said an Excise Department officer. He further warned that such unregulated operations increase the risk of spurious liquor distribution and can foster other illegal activities.
The ongoing issue has prompted the department to launch a special enforcement drive from January 2025, with a focus on identifying and penalizing establishments flouting excise regulations. The goal is to bring these operators into the legal framework and ensure strict compliance with licensing norms.
Officials emphasized that this initiative is critical not just for protecting public health, but also for safeguarding government revenue and enhancing regulatory oversight across Delhi’s hospitality sector.
