Despite its social stigma, liquor sales have significantly contributed to Uttarakhand’s revenue. Over the past two years, the Excise Department has exceeded its targets, leading to an even higher revenue goal for the current financial year. Under the new excise policy, existing liquor shop licenses are being renewed for two years.
Successful Renewal Process
Excise Commissioner Hari Chandra Semwal stated that the renewal process has proven more effective than traditional lottery or tender systems. In the 2023-24 financial year, the department achieved 100% of its revenue target, collecting an additional ₹260 crore so far this year.
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Local Ownership and Licensing
Uttarakhand has 647 operational liquor shops, reserved exclusively for the state’s residents. If any license holder opts out of renewal, the shop will be allocated to new applicants through a lottery process.
