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Opening a liquor shop in Uttar Pradesh requires a licence from the Excise Department via an e-lottery. Costs vary by district, and licences must be renewed annually
Operating a liquor shop comes with several responsibilities and legal obligations. (News18)
Opening a liquor shop in Uttar Pradesh is a complex process requiring adherence to strict regulations and procedures. Obtaining a licence is the first crucial step, and it’s not as simple as just applying.
The Excise Department uses an e-lottery system to issue licences annually, meaning your application’s success depends on a draw. The UP government’s new excise policy for the financial year 2025-26 further regulates the process, making it essential to understand the eligibility criteria and procedures involved.
Eligibility To Open A Liquor Shop
To be eligible for a liquor shop licence, you must meet specific requirements:
- Minimum age of 21 years
- A clean criminal record, free of any serious charges
- Applications are limited to one per person, preventing individuals from applying for multiple shops.
Process Of Getting A Licence
The application process involves several steps:
- Visit the Excise Department’s official website.
- Complete the online application form accurately.
- Submit all required documents as instructed.
- After submission, you must wait for the e-lottery draw.
- If your name is drawn, you will be granted a licence.
Following this, you can establish your shop according to the stipulated regulations.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of obtaining a liquor shop licence varies by district. However, be prepared for significant expenses:
- A permit room licence, allowing on-site alcohol consumption, costs around Rs 5,44,000.
- A licence for selling beer or liquor without a permit room costs approximately Rs 1,50,000.
These costs are exclusive of shop rental or purchase, staff salaries, utility bills, and liquor stock. A realistic estimate for starting a liquor shop is around Rs 15 to 20 lakh.
What To Do After Getting The Licence?
Operating a liquor shop comes with responsibilities and legal obligations:
- Adhere to all government-mandated rules regarding liquor sales.
- Selling alcohol to individuals under 18 years of age is strictly prohibited.
- Follow the government’s prescribed hours for shop operation.
- Sell liquor at the government-fixed prices. Non-compliance can lead to licence revocation.
Licence Validity And Renewal
Liquor shop licences are valid for one year and require annual renewal. Failure to renew on time may result in cancellation, necessitating a fresh application.
Last Date Of Application And Conclusion
The application window for a 2025-26 liquor shop licence closed on February 28 2025. If you missed this deadline, you will have to wait for the next application cycle.
- Location :
Uttar Pradesh, India, India
