UB has stopped supplying beer to Telangana, which has sparked a conversation about India’s liquor laws. These laws vary from state to state because alcohol regulation falls under the State List in India’s Constitution. As a result, each state has its own rules, which importers, producers, and distributors must follow.
Here’s a breakdown of liquor laws across different states:
Andhra Pradesh: Liquor license holders must report their stock levels to the Excise Department, and any violations, such as mislabeling liquor or altering alcoholic beverages, can result in heavy fines or imprisonment.
Arunachal Pradesh: Alcohol importation is tightly controlled, requiring approval for specific purposes like scientific use. Selling alcohol under false labels is prohibited.
Assam: Only wholesalers can import liquor, and they must wait for clearance from the Excise Department before unpacking. Retailers are not allowed to sell foreign liquor deemed unfit by authorities.
Bihar: Since 2016, Bihar has banned the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Chhattisgarh: Liquor shops are grouped into areas with a collective license, and vendors must pay tax for excess stock. A minimum retail price is set for liquor, and foreign liquor vendors need an FL1 license.
Delhi: Manufacturers must register liquor brands and labels, and recent updates allow the online sale of alcohol. Retail and wholesale licenses cannot be held by the same individual.
Gujarat: Alcohol consumption was banned until December 2023, but now restaurants in certain areas can serve alcohol.
Goa: The government amended rules to allow liquor licenses near schools and places of worship, although they now come with higher fees.
Haryana: The state has a relaxed policy to boost alcohol sales, helping retailers set up stores in busy areas. Liquor labels must be registered with the Excise Department.
Himachal Pradesh: In 2024, Himachal became the first state to allow property seizure for illegal liquor cases. A new policy also sets a maximum price increase of 30% over listed prices.
Jammu & Kashmir: Bars are licensed through bidding and must provide digital payment options. The state encourages low-alcohol drinks like beer and ready-to-drink beverages.
Jharkhand: Liquor labels must follow strict guidelines, detailing the type, brand, and manufacturing information.
Karnataka: To sell alcohol, businesses need a permit specifying the quantity and type of alcohol. Excess stock must be stored in a rented warehouse.
Kerala: In tourist zones, restaurants can get liquor licenses, and the state promotes toddy, a local alcoholic beverage.
Madhya Pradesh: There’s a ban on new liquor shops, and liquor outlets near schools or religious places are being closed.
Maharashtra: A permit is required to buy or consume alcohol, and the legal drinking age is set at 25.
Manipur: In 2022, Manipur lifted its 30-year ban on liquor sales at certain locations, marking a shift towards regulated consumption.
Mizoram: The state initially banned alcohol in 2019 but later allowed sales of locally produced wine.
Meghalaya: The state raised excise duties by 15% in 2023 and requires businesses to pay duties to import, export, or sell liquor.
Nagaland: The state maintains a strict prohibition on alcohol since 1989.
Odisha: Liquor licenses are issued for different types of alcoholic beverages, and permits are discounted for tourism-related businesses.
Punjab: Retailers must apply for a liquor license and are limited to operating until midnight, though extended hours are possible for certain locations.
Rajasthan: The state requires a liquor license for importing alcohol but allows the military to import rum without one, provided taxes are paid.
Sikkim: Alcohol importation requires a government pass, and there are limits on the amount individuals can buy.
Telangana: The state has fewer than 3,000 liquor outlets, with permits distributed through a lucky draw. Successful applicants were given permits to operate until 2025.
Tamil Nadu: Liquor license holders must ensure stock levels don’t exceed limits and must maintain packaging integrity.
Uttarakhand: The state updated its policies to increase revenue from alcohol and support local farmers in producing alcohol from Himalayan botanicals.
West Bengal: To bring in more than one bottle of liquor, individuals must pay duty taxes and acquire a permit. However, private individuals can sell foreign liquor without a license if they legally purchased it.
