In a significant shift that is set to redefine the retail landscape of the liquor trade, the Chandigarh Administration has approved its new Excise Policy for the 2026-27 financial year. In a move that has sparked immense interest among consumers, the administration has authorized the sale of alcohol at petrol pumps, shopping malls, and local markets. This expansion aims to move liquor sales into more organized and accessible retail spaces beyond traditional vends.

Under the newly sanctioned policy, large departmental stores will also be eligible to obtain licenses for selling foreign liquor, wine, and beer. To enhance transparency and modernise the system, digital payment options such as UPI, Credit/Debit cards, and POS machines have been made mandatory across all liquor outlets. Failure to provide a printed bill or refusing digital payments will now attract a spot fine of ₹5,000. This is part of the government’s push to ensure every transaction is tracked and accounted for.

Safety remains a top priority in this new regime. To discourage drunk driving, bars, hotels, and restaurants are now required to install alcohol testing machines (alcometers) so that patrons can check their alcohol levels voluntarily. Furthermore, all vehicles transporting liquor must be equipped with GPS tracking systems for real-time monitoring. While the prices of Indian-made liquor and beer might see a marginal hike of up to 2%, the focus remains on consumer convenience and strict regulatory compliance through CCTV surveillance. This bold move by Chandigarh is being watched closely by other states considering similar revenue-boosting measures.