New Excise Policy 2025: Uttarakhand to Shut Liquor Shops around Religious Places
The Liquor shops near religious areas to lose licence as Uttarakhand Cabinet approves new policy, the policy was formulated with a focus on the importance of religious areas
The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the new excise law, which calls for liquor stores close to places of worship to have their licenses revoked. The program was developed "with a focus on the importance of religious areas," according to the state administration. A government order that will be announced shortly will define what constitutes a sacred area and the distance at which the sale...
The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the new excise law, which calls for liquor stores close to places of worship to have their licenses revoked. The program was developed "with a focus on the importance of religious areas," according to the state administration.
A government order that will be announced shortly will define what constitutes a sacred area and the distance at which the sale of alcohol can occur. Establishing liquor stores within seven kilometers of Har Ki Pauri and the Rishikesh Municipal Council is currently prohibited. In Hemkund Sahib and the Char Dham circuit, alcohol is prohibited.
Additionally, according to the new norm, a store that sells alcohol for more than the maximum retail price risks losing its license. To safeguard the rights of customers, department stores will also be subject to MRP regulations.In an attempt to "ensure economic benefits within the state," the regulation further stipulates that wholesale liquor licenses may only be granted to Uttarakhand citizens.
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Because of the significance of the location, the state's new excise policy has confirmed closing liquor stores with licenses close to places of worship. Additionally, because of strong public sentiment, there will be more control over the sale of alcohol. Sub-shops and the metro liquor system have been eliminated. A store's license may be revoked under the new Excise Policy if its prices exceed MRP.
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Reducing export duties will encourage investment in the liquor industry, the cabinet said, and special incentives will be given to the malt and spirit industries in hill regions. Additionally, distilleries will be encouraged to use local agricultural products, which will boost farmers' incomes and open new markets for them.
For 2025–2026, the revenue target is Rs 5,060 crore. In 2023–2024, the state earned Rs 4,038.69 crore against a target of Rs 4,000 crore. In 2024–2025, the aim was Rs 4,439 crore, of which approximately Rs 4,000 crore had already been collected. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the inclusion of a supplemental book called Our history and Icons in the curriculum for classes 6–8, which will teach children about "Uttarakhand's movement and cultural heritage."
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