Lucknow, March 10, 2026: The U.P. Excise Department has initiated the e-lottery process for allotment of remaining liquor retail shops in the state for the financial year 2026–27.
According to official data, 27,422 liquor shops operate across Uttar Pradesh. Out of these, 25,623 shops have been automatically renewed by existing licensees, reflecting a renewal rate of more than 92% under the current excise policy.
1,793 Shops Available Through E-Lottery
The remaining 1,793 retail outlets, which were not renewed by existing license holders, are being allotted through the online e-lottery system introduced by the Excise Department.
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Category-wise distribution of these shops includes:
• 1,188 Country Liquor Shops
• 238 Composite Shops
• 113 Model Shops
• The remaining outlets are bhang shops and other categories
The e-lottery application process is being conducted through the official Excise Department portal, ensuring a transparent and fully digital allocation mechanism developed with NIC.
Good Response Expected from Applicants
Department sources expect strong participation from traders and prospective license holders in the lottery process. The department is also likely to generate significant revenue through the sale of lottery application forms, apart from license fees and other applicable duties once the shops are allotted and operational.
The move is part of the state government’s broader strategy to maintain transparency in liquor shop allotment and strengthen excise revenue for the financial year 2026–27.
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