Chandigarh, February 28:
The Punjab government has approved a new liquor policy, which is expected to lead to a significant price hike in alcohol across the state. The proposal was cleared in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The new policy will come into effect in the financial year 2025-26, with the government expecting revenue of ₹11,020 crore.
Increased Revenue Target
This year, the government has set a revenue target ₹874 crore higher than the previous year. Under the revised excise policy, the number of liquor groups has been reduced from 236 to 207, while the total number of liquor shops in the state remains at 6,374.
Major Changes Ahead
Punjab’s Finance and Excise Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the government aims to generate ₹10,200 crore in revenue this year, a significant increase compared to ₹6,100 crore collected under previous governments. The new policy will introduce an e-allocation process for liquor shops, and to strengthen the excise department, new excise police stations will be established. Additionally, the government has approved the setup of new bottling plants.
While the policy is expected to boost government revenue, the big question remains—how will it impact the common people? Will liquor prices skyrocket, or does the government have another major decision in store? The coming days will reveal how this policy reshapes Punjab’s liquor market.
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