India, Jan. 31 -- The Delhi government's excise department has invited applications for the grant of wholesale licences for the supply of country liquor in the National Capital Territory (NCT), initiating the first licensing exercise ahead of the rollout of a new excise policy.

According to officials, the tender process has been launched for the 2026-27 excise year and will cover wholesale supply to government-run retail vends across the city. Eligible distilleries and bottling plants licensed by the Centre or any state government can apply for L-3 licences, which permit wholesale supply of country liquor, along with the mandatory L-33 licence for operating bonded warehouses.

Officials said the licences will be valid from April 1, 2026,...