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One major change is the introduction of composite shops, where beer, liquor, and wine will be sold from a single counter, replacing the previous system that required separate licenses for beer.
New Alcohol Policy.
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the Excise Policy for the fiscal year 2025-26, with several key changes aimed at improving regulation, boosting revenue, and enhancing consumer safety. The policy was approved in a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
According to a Moneycontrol report citing sources, one major change is the introduction of composite shops, where beer, liquor, and wine will be sold from a single counter, replacing the previous system that required separate licenses for beer. However, on-premises consumption will not be allowed at these outlets. The policy also includes a price hike for alcohol, expected to be implemented when the policy takes effect.
The government has set a revenue target of Rs 55,000 crore from excise collections, marking an increase of Rs 4,000 crore compared to the previous financial year, the report said.
Another significant change is the restriction on renewing licences for premium retail shops until the next fiscal year, with an annual fee of Rs 25 lakh for renewal. To prevent monopolization, no individual, firm, or company will be permitted to hold more than two licences, it added.
The policy places limitations on premium brand liquor outlets, prohibiting them from being located in multiplexes within malls, though they will still be allowed in major areas like airports, metro stations, and railway stations with a no-objection certificate. It also introduces the sale of 60 ml and 90 ml bottles of foreign liquor for the first time, according to the report.
Additionally, the procedure for obtaining personal home licences, allowing individuals to purchase and possess liquor beyond the standard retail limit, has been simplified. The fee for this license is Rs 11,000, with an equal security deposit, and applicants must meet specific income tax criteria.
In a move to improve safety, the policy mandates the sale of country liquor in aseptic brick packs, reducing the risk of contamination. The government’s target from excise collections for the year is Rs 55,000 crore, an increase of Rs 4,000 crore from the previous fiscal year.
