By Sabyasachi Samajdar, New Delhi
June 28 2010 - The Government of Delhi has allowed wine sales in the supermarkets of national capital region of Delhi.
According to Mr. R. M. Pillai, Excise Commissioner, Government of Delhi, departmental stores shall have to obtain L 53 licence for selling domestic wines and L 53F license for selling foreign wines.
It is to recall that FoodBizDaily reported on September 16 last year that Indian wine industry demanded to allow wine sales in the supermarkets in Delhi.
“L53 licence will be issued on payment of licence fee of INR 200,000 (USD 4250). L53F licence holder shall have to pay additional 10% of licence fee,” Mr. Pillai stated.
It is learnt that departmental store should be of at least 500 Sq. ft. carpet area and having different segments of minimum six categories of goods such as Grocery items, vegetables, Frozen foods, Sugary and Bakery items etc. Sale of wine would be allowed for 9 hours between 10.00 am to 10.00 pm.
“The Licensee shall be allowed to store and sell wine in the 10% of the carpet area of the departmental store, separately earmarked for the wine. L-53F Licencee shall be further allowed to store and sell imported foreign wine in the additional 5% of the carpet area of Departmental store. Refrigerators up to the capacity of 300 Liters shall be allowed for refrigeration of wine,” Mr. Pillai added.