The Uttarakhand government has released its new excise policy for the financial year 2025–26. Under this policy, the renewal and allotment process for liquor shops across the state will commence on March 7. Renewal applications will be accepted until March 16. Unclaimed shops will be allotted through a lottery system, for which applications will be taken from March 19 to 21.
Lottery Schedule for Liquor Shop Allotment
The first round of the lottery will be held on March 22. If any shops remain unallotted, a second round of applications will be accepted from March 23 to March 24 until 3 PM. The second lottery will conclude by 5 PM on March 24. Interested applicants can find detailed information on the Excise Department’s official website.
Key Features of the New Excise Policy
- The new policy aims to boost revenue rather than alcohol consumption.
- The state targets ₹5,060 crore in excise revenue for 2025–26, likely leading to a price hike from April 1.
- Liquor shops near religious sites will be closed as per new provisions.
- Licenses of vendors selling liquor above MRP will be cancelled.
- To promote local products, wineries in hilly regions will receive fee exemptions for up to 15 years.
