News / Topic / Excise Policy / News

excise policy news

Latest from excise policy

Haryana excise policy: No liquor sub-vend to be allowed in villages with 500 or less people

Taverns shall operate only from enclosed premises approved by the department and would not be visible to passers-by under the policy that has been approved for 21.5 months

Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini chairs a cabinet meeting in Chandigarh on Monday. (ANI)

cities

Published on May 06, 2025 09:36 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Haryana: New excise policy spells out curbs for ahatas

One of the biggest changes is a crackdown on ahatas, with a new cap of 1,000 square metres per establishment. Live music and other performances are now banned at these venues, and operating hours have been curtailed—closing time has been advanced from 8am to 4am

The move comes after years of citizen complaints, investigative reports by HT, and widespread regulatory violations—especially in Gurugram and Faridabad—where ahatas were found hosting unlicensed live shows, operating commercial kitchens, expanding into multi-storey entertainment spaces. (PARVEEN KUMAR/HT)

cities

Published on May 06, 2025 06:34 AM IST

ByLeena Dhankhar

Only 20 of 48 liquor vends sold in fresh hiccup for Chandigarh administration

Against a reserve price of ₹109 crore for these vends, the department raked in ₹131 crore, a 19% growth in expected revenue ; as per a senior official, the department will consider another round of auction for the unsold 28 vends

The highest bid of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>12.31 crore came for a liquor vend located in Sector 61 market, against a reserve price of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>11.57 crore. (Unsplash)

cities

Published on Apr 22, 2025 10:28 AM IST

ByMandeep Kaur Narula, Chandigarh

25 and above: Delhi to retain alcohol age bar

The government is examining liquor regulations across six states — Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Karnataka.

cities

Updated on Apr 20, 2025 02:50 AM IST

ByAlok KN Mishra

Cocktail of hiccups leaves liquor vends in Chandigarh high and dru

Payment delays, court case around excise policy, faulty approval portal freeze liquor supply in Chandigarh; Bacchus lovers head to Mohali and Panchkula for their booze fix

Liquor companies have stalled supplies due to unpaid dues, contractors are also not sourcing stock amid court proceedings around the excise policy and the excise department’s sluggish online system has created an application bottleneck. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

cities

Published on Apr 18, 2025 09:30 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Delhi govt will roll out ‘foolproof’ excise policy soon: CM Gupta

The current excise policy — in place since September 2022 — was brought in after the scrapping of the 2021–22 regime, which was withdrawn following a CBI probe into alleged irregularities

CM Rekha Gupta at a high-level review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Friday. (HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Apr 12, 2025 05:56 AM IST

ByAlok KN Mishra

Chandigarh: No bank guarantees from allottees, UT seals 42 liquor vends

It all started after a contractor moved high court alleging that over 87 out of the total 96 vends in the city were allocated to merely two or three individuals, thus hinting at cartelisation; these individuals allegedly operated under different firm names or through their relatives, associates, and employees

A sealed liquor vend in Chandigarh on Tuesday. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Apr 09, 2025 09:48 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Two judges recuse from hearing plea on liquor vends allotment

The case was listed for hearing before the bench of justice Deepak Sibal and justice Sumeet Goel. However, justice Sibal recused from hearing the case and ordered that the case be listed for hearing on Friday itself before another bench

Now the case will be listed for hearing before some other bench. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Apr 05, 2025 10:00 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Liquor vends open in Chandigarh after Supreme Court order

In the auction held on March 21, the Chandigarh administration was able to auction 96 out of 97 liquor vends for the year 2025-26, raking in ₹606 crore in revenue—36% above the ₹439 crore reserve price

On April 1, rhe Supreme Court had quashed the Punjab and Haryana high court order as per which the operation of all liquor vends in Chandigarh under the 2025-26 Excise Policy was stayed. (HT)

cities

Published on Apr 04, 2025 09:30 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Liquor ban in 19 places in Madhya Pradesh comes into effect today

A ban on the sale of alcohol will take effect in 19 religious places in Madhya Pradesh from Tuesday as per the state's new excise policy.

The Madhya Pradesh government, on January 25, had announced the new excise policy, which includes the imposition of a complete ban on the sale and purchase of liquor in 19 religious places across the state.(Representative image/REUTERS)

india news

Published on Apr 01, 2025 04:50 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Bhopal

Second phase of e-lottery for liquor shops to be held today

A total of 6,918 applications have been submitted for 516 retail shops across the state, generating ₹35.15 crore in processing fees.

The entire process was conducted online, with applicants required to submit all necessary documents and processing fees digitally (For representation only)

cities

Published on Mar 27, 2025 06:20 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Lucknow

Chandigarh admn toasts to success with sale of 96 of 97 liquor vends in one go

HPS Brar, collector (Excise), Chandigarh, credited amendments in the UT Excise Policy, such as allowing bars to procure liquor from retail vends and inter-vend stock transfer within the same entity, and rationalisation of liquor quotas

Only one liquor vend, located in Sector 20, Chandigarh, found no taker. (HT File Photo)

cities

Published on Mar 22, 2025 09:09 AM IST

ByHillary Victor, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Liquor contractors demand early excise policy

The contractors claim that unless Chandigarh lowered its taxes, the liquor trade in the city will continue to struggle, similar to the previous year

In a formal representation submitted to the administrator, the contractors have further demanded a reduction in excise duty and value-added tax (VAT) within Chandigarh. They highlight the disparity with Punjab, which imposes a mere 1% excise duty and VAT, resulting in significantly lower liquor prices. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Mar 09, 2025 09:08 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Delhi assembly refers CAG’s report on excise policy to PAC

Speaker Vijender Gupta noted the report highlighted major lapses, including violations in awarding licenses, lack of transparency in pricing, and inadequate regulatory oversight.

The first session of the Delhi assembly under the BJP government underway on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

cities

Published on Feb 28, 2025 10:01 AM IST

ByAlok K N Mishra, New Delhi

Atishi claims AAP MLAs suspended from Delhi assembly for ‘Jai Bhim’ slogans

At least 21 AAP MLAs including Atishi were suspended from the Delhi assembly for three days for disrupting LG V K Saxena's inaugural address to the House

Former Delhi CM and Assembly LOP Atishi addresses the media on CAG Report tabled in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Shrikant Singh/ANI)

india news

Updated on Feb 27, 2025 10:35 AM IST

ByHT News Desk

Liquor cartel’s hold broken, way paved for entry of new players

With money power and political protection, the syndicate grabbed a majority of liquor shops in biddings.

The BSP government had entrusted the responsibility of handling the liquor trade in the state to UP State Sugar factories Federation (UPSSFF). (For representation only)

cities

Published on Feb 07, 2025 05:02 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Lucknow:

New excise policy: Liquor shops to be allotted via e-lottery system

Uttar Pradesh cabinet approves new excise policy with e-lottery for liquor shop allotment and sets budget session from February 18, 2025.

UP cabinet meeting in Lucknow (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Feb 06, 2025 05:02 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Lucknow:

Union home ministry gives go ahead to ED to prosecute Kejriwal

Delhi Liquor Policy Case: The move comes months after the Supreme Court ruled that ED also has to take prior sanction for prosecution in money laundering cases.

Delhi liquor policy case: Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED in March last year under PMLA. (Hindustan Times)

cities

Updated on Jan 15, 2025 11:40 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent

When politicians entered legal arena: Delhi High Court in 2024

india news

Published on Dec 28, 2024 10:16 AM IST

PTI |

Opposition stage walkout during CM Sukhu’s reply on ‘corruption’ charges

While responding to the allegations of corruption by BJP legislators, CM Sukhu said that when the BJP moved the adjournment motion only 14 BJP legislators were in the house and this shows their seriousness

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur along with party legislators holding placards during a protest at Vidhan Sabha on Thursday. (HT Photo)

cities

Updated on Dec 20, 2024 07:14 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

HC rejects pleas against closure of bars at midnight in Panchkula

The high court dismissed the pleas from Panchkula bar owners, who had challenged the clause in the excise policy for financial year 2024-2025, which was enforced in June 2024 and will be applicable till June 2025

In financial year 2023-24, in Panchkula, pubs/bars were allowed to serve liquor throughout the night after paying a fixed fee. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

cities

Updated on Dec 06, 2024 07:32 PM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Haryana warned over sale of liquor post midnight

After the new policy was promulgated, bar and pub owners in Panchkula had moved the high court, demanding parity with their Gurugram and Faridabad counterparts.

The Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday warned the Haryana government over the sale of liquor into the late hours of the night at bars and pubs in two districts — Gurugram and Faridabad. (HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on Dec 06, 2024 05:28 AM IST

BySurender Sharma

Supreme Court grants Arvind Kejriwal bail but sets 5 conditions | Top updates

Arvind Kejriwal bail: Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan granted bail to the Delhi CM on furnishing a bail bond of ₹10 lakh, and 2 sureties of like amount.

AAP workers celebrate after Delhi chief minister and party chief Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail by the Supreme Court in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy case, in New Delhi, Friday, (PTI)

india news

Updated on Sep 13, 2024 03:10 PM IST

ByHT News Desk | Edited by Aniruddha Dhar

Supreme Court grants bail to Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi excise policy case

Justice Bhuyan, however, raised questions on the timing and manner of Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the CBI.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal (File Photo)

india news

Updated on Sep 13, 2024 11:23 AM IST

ByHT News Desk

Supreme Court reserves order on Kejriwal’s bail plea in CBI case

It said that its judgment would be carefully framed to obviate demoralising subordinate judiciary while contributing to the evolution of criminal law

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener challenged the August 5 decision of the Delhi high court, which upheld his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). (PTI)

cities

Updated on Sep 06, 2024 05:46 AM IST

ByUtkarsh Anand

'Can't be trigger-happy': Arvind Kejriwal's lawyer's argument on CBI's arrest

AM Singhvi argued that Arvind Kejriwal's name was not mentioned as an accused in the original FIR filed by the agency.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal (HT photo)

india news

Updated on Sep 05, 2024 12:10 PM IST

ByHT News Desk

Delhi excise policy: Will Arvind Kejriwal get bail? Supreme Court hearing today

Arvind Kejriwal is challenging the Delhi high court's decision that upheld his arrest by CBI in the corruption case related to the alleged excise policy scam.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kerjiwal (PTI)

india news

Updated on Sep 05, 2024 08:40 AM IST

ByHT News Desk

Odisha announces ₹100 cr fund for awareness drive against alcohol consumption

The Bharatiya Janata Party in its manifesto for the Assembly polls this year had promised prohibition, if elected to power

The Odisha excise department has announced the excise policy for the current financial year. (Representational image)

cities

Updated on Aug 31, 2024 02:44 PM IST

ByDebabrata Mohanty

‘Partners in crime….’: Union minister's jab on SC bail to K Kavitha. KTR reacts

The Supreme Court granted her bail in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam

BRS leader K Kavitha was granted bail by the Supreme Court

india news

Published on Aug 27, 2024 06:17 PM IST

ByHT News Desk

Excise policy case: CBI gets Delhi court's sanction to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal

The CBI has already filed a supplementary charge sheet against Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested on June 26 and has been in judicial custody since then.

india news

Published on Aug 23, 2024 09:42 PM IST

ByHT News Desk

Copy

Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin

excise policy news

Latest from excise policy

Taverns shall operate only from enclosed premises approved by the department and would not be visible to passers-by under the policy that has been approved for 21.5 months

One of the biggest changes is a crackdown on ahatas, with a new cap of 1,000 square metres per establishment. Live music and other performances are now banned at these venues, and operating hours have been curtailed—closing time has been advanced from 8am to 4am

Against a reserve price of ₹109 crore for these vends, the department raked in ₹131 crore, a 19% growth in expected revenue ; as per a senior official, the department will consider another round of auction for the unsold 28 vends

The government is examining liquor regulations across six states — Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Karnataka.

Payment delays, court case around excise policy, faulty approval portal freeze liquor supply in Chandigarh; Bacchus lovers head to Mohali and Panchkula for their booze fix

The current excise policy — in place since September 2022 — was brought in after the scrapping of the 2021–22 regime, which was withdrawn following a CBI probe into alleged irregularities

The case was listed for hearing before the bench of justice Deepak Sibal and justice Sumeet Goel. However, justice Sibal recused from hearing the case and ordered that the case be listed for hearing on Friday itself before another bench

In the auction held on March 21, the Chandigarh administration was able to auction 96 out of 97 liquor vends for the year 2025-26, raking in ₹606 crore in revenue—36% above the ₹439 crore reserve price

A ban on the sale of alcohol will take effect in 19 religious places in Madhya Pradesh from Tuesday as per the state's new excise policy.

A total of 6,918 applications have been submitted for 516 retail shops across the state, generating ₹35.15 crore in processing fees.

HPS Brar, collector (Excise), Chandigarh, credited amendments in the UT Excise Policy, such as allowing bars to procure liquor from retail vends and inter-vend stock transfer within the same entity, and rationalisation of liquor quotas

The contractors claim that unless Chandigarh lowered its taxes, the liquor trade in the city will continue to struggle, similar to the previous year

Speaker Vijender Gupta noted the report highlighted major lapses, including violations in awarding licenses, lack of transparency in pricing, and inadequate regulatory oversight.

At least 21 AAP MLAs including Atishi were suspended from the Delhi assembly for three days for disrupting LG V K Saxena's inaugural address to the House

With money power and political protection, the syndicate grabbed a majority of liquor shops in biddings.

Uttar Pradesh cabinet approves new excise policy with e-lottery for liquor shop allotment and sets budget session from February 18, 2025.

Delhi Liquor Policy Case: The move comes months after the Supreme Court ruled that ED also has to take prior sanction for prosecution in money laundering cases.

When politicians entered legal arena: Delhi High Court in 2024

While responding to the allegations of corruption by BJP legislators, CM Sukhu said that when the BJP moved the adjournment motion only 14 BJP legislators were in the house and this shows their seriousness

The high court dismissed the pleas from Panchkula bar owners, who had challenged the clause in the excise policy for financial year 2024-2025, which was enforced in June 2024 and will be applicable till June 2025

After the new policy was promulgated, bar and pub owners in Panchkula had moved the high court, demanding parity with their Gurugram and Faridabad counterparts.

Arvind Kejriwal bail: Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan granted bail to the Delhi CM on furnishing a bail bond of ₹10 lakh, and 2 sureties of like amount.

Justice Bhuyan, however, raised questions on the timing and manner of Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the CBI.

It said that its judgment would be carefully framed to obviate demoralising subordinate judiciary while contributing to the evolution of criminal law

AM Singhvi argued that Arvind Kejriwal's name was not mentioned as an accused in the original FIR filed by the agency.

Arvind Kejriwal is challenging the Delhi high court's decision that upheld his arrest by CBI in the corruption case related to the alleged excise policy scam.

The Bharatiya Janata Party in its manifesto for the Assembly polls this year had promised prohibition, if elected to power

The Supreme Court granted her bail in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam

The CBI has already filed a supplementary charge sheet against Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested on June 26 and has been in judicial custody since then.

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like