Uttar Pradesh's New Liquor Policy Introduces Composite Shops and E-Lottery System
The policy aims to streamline liquor sales, expand consumer options, and boost revenue, potentially benefiting Delhi-NCR residents facing stock shortages.
- The Uttar Pradesh government has approved its Excise Policy for 2025-26, introducing 'composite shops' that combine beer and foreign liquor sales into single outlets.
- An e-lottery system will now allocate liquor and cannabis shop licenses, replacing the previous renewal process and capping individual ownership at two shops statewide.
- Delhi residents facing limited liquor options may turn to neighboring Noida and Ghaziabad, where the new policy offers greater variety and accessibility.
- The policy reduces license fees for low-alcohol bars and introduces provisions for vineyards and microbreweries to promote tourism and support fruit-based liquor production.
- The state aims to increase excise revenue to ₹60,000 crore through measures like higher excise duties and streamlined licensing processes.
Hindustan Times 