Liquor to be sold at petrol pumps, malls in Chandigarh as new policy gets nod

Chandigarh's Excise Policy 2026–27 expands liquor sales beyond traditional vends to petrol pumps, malls, and markets, while allowing large retail stores to sell alcohol with licences.

The Chandigarh Administration has approved its Excise Policy for 2026–27, introducing wide-ranging changes aimed at improving regulation, boosting revenue, and enhancing consumer convenience. In a major shift, liquor sales will now be permitted at petrol pumps, shopping malls, and local markets, significantly expanding access beyond traditional vends.

Under the new policy, large departmental stores will also be allowed to sell foreign liquor, wine, and beer after obtaining the required licences. This move is expected to widen retail availability and bring liquor sales into more organised retail spaces.

To improve transparency and ease transactions, digital payment options have been made mandatory at liquor shops. Vendors will now be required to offer payment through cards and POS machines.

In a push toward responsible drinking, bars, hotels, and restaurants must install alcohol testing machines (alcometers), enabling customers to check their alcohol levels.

On licencing and revenue, the administration has approved a total of 97 retail liquor vends, with a reserve price fixed at Rs 454.35 crore. The security amount has been increased to 17% of the bid value, and a monthly licence fee payment system, payable by the 15th of each month, will replace the earlier instalment-based system.

In terms of pricing, the policy allows up to a 2% increase in the Ex-Distillery Price (EDP) for Indian liquor, beer, and wine, while no increase has been permitted for imported liquor categories.