Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Administration has introduced a new excise policy for 2026–27, bringing significant changes to liquor licensing, sales, and regulatory norms across the city.
Issued late Tuesday night, the policy outlines revised rules for liquor vends, bar licenses, service in hotels and restaurants, microbreweries, taverns, and fee structures. It also introduces new conditions related to operational hours, payment systems, and safety standards.
In a major shift, liquor will now be permitted for sale at petrol pumps and departmental stores in Chandigarh, provided these establishments have an annual GST turnover of at least ₹3 crore. The administration has also allowed liquor sales until midnight, aiming to regulate and streamline availability while discouraging shops in isolated areas.
The policy also highlights pricing variations across locations. A liquor vend in Palsora has been set as the most expensive in the city, with a reserve price of ₹11.41 crore. In contrast, the shop in Sector 41 Market has been marked as the least expensive, with a reserve price of ₹1.93 crore.
Under the new framework, hotel and restaurant operators can apply for bar licenses under multiple categories, including L-3, L-4, L-5, L-3A, L-4A, L-10A, and L-10AA. However, licenses will only be granted once the establishment becomes operational. Additionally, existing license holders can apply for microbrewery permits 15 days after obtaining their bar license.
To enhance road safety, the administration has made it mandatory for all licensed establishments serving alcohol—including hotels, bars, pubs, and restaurants—to install alcohol meters. This move aims to curb incidents of drunk driving and promote responsible consumption.
The policy reflects the administration’s effort to modernise liquor regulation while balancing accessibility, revenue generation, and public safety concerns.
