Alcohol prices in Chandigarh are expected to increase from April 2026 after the city administration approved the Excise Policy for 2026–27.
According to officials, the new policy includes a small increase of up to 2% in the Ex-Distillery Price (EDP) for several categories of alcoholic beverages. This price adjustment will likely make liquor slightly more expensive for consumers.
Officials said the new excise policy aims to improve regulation, simplify business operations, strengthen enforcement, and safeguard government revenue.
Liquor Shops and Licensing
Under the new policy, 97 retail liquor shops (vends) will operate across the city.
The reserve price for liquor licenses has been fixed at ₹454.35 crore, which is higher than ₹444 crore last year.
Expected Revenue
With the new policy in place, the administration expects to generate around ₹950 crore in revenue from excise duties.
For comparison, the Excise and Taxation Department had set a target of ₹900 crore for the 2025–26 financial year.
New Rule for Bars
The policy also introduces a rule for bar license holders. Bars will now have to purchase liquor from the two nearest retail liquor shops (L-2/L-14A).
If both of those shops belong to the same owner, the bar will be allowed to buy liquor from the third nearest shop instead.
Officials believe these changes will help streamline liquor distribution and improve monitoring of alcohol sales in the city.
The Aabkari(Abkari) Times magazine occupies a unique niche in the Indian media landscape. As the only Hindi monthly magazine dedicated to alcohol, liquor, excise, and allied industries, it caters to a specific audience with a specialized knowledge base.
