Delhi’s draft excise policy, aimed at finally revamping how liquor is sold and regulated in the Capital, will be ready by June 30 — the day the current policy is set to expire — chief minister Rekha Gupta said on Friday.

A high-level committee, led by chief secretary Dharmendra, is working on the new framework after reviewing practices from other states and consulting key stakeholders.

The upcoming policy, Gupta said, would focus on “transparency, quality, and accountability” in the excise system, while safeguarding public health and ensuring ease of doing business.

“The high-level committee is in the process of drafting a new excise policy proposal after consulting with relevant stakeholders and studying the best practices adopted in other states. This task will be completed by June 30. The objective is to provide citizens with quality liquor and to make the system of alcohol sale and distribution transparent, modern, and accountable,” CM Gupta said in a statement.

Key features under review include scientific liquor testing, digitisation of sales, and streamlined licensing protocols. “Under the new policy, several measures are being included to improve the excise system key among these are scientific testing of liquor quality, digitization of the sales system, prevention of illegal sales, and ensuring transparency in the licensing process,” Gupta said.

The government had extended the current stopgap policy until June 30, 2025