The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a new excise policy that will come into effect from April 1. The move will bring several important changes to liquor prices, licensing rules, shop allocation, and export provisions. The policy is aimed at increasing state revenue, improving transparency in licensing, and creating new market opportunities for liquor made in the state, 

One of the biggest changes under the new policy is a hike in liquor prices. From April 1, the price of local liquor will increase by around Rs 5 per bottle. A bottle of local liquor with 36 per cent alcohol content will now cost Rs 173, up from Rs 165. The revised prices will also apply to half-quarter and miniature bottles. However, prices of other liquor categories remain unchanged for now.

Foreign liquor will also become more expensive after the policy comes into force. Depending on the brand, prices are expected to rise by Rs 10 to Rs 30 per bottle. According to the report, Uttar Pradesh has also introduced a 100 ml miniature pack of local liquor, commonly known as a “Baccha”, with 42.8 degree strength. This pack will be sold at Rs 50 and is being introduced for the first time in the state.

The government has set an ambitious excise revenue target of Rs 71,278 crore for the financial year 2026–27.

The new policy also brings changes to shop quotas and licensing. The quota for local liquor shops in urban areas will be reduced, while the overall number of liquor outlets across the state will increase by 7.5 per cent.

Special provisions have been made for low-alcohol beverages in major cities such as Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Lucknow. Separate licenses will be issued for the sale of beer, wine, and ready-to-drink products for off-premise consumption in these cities.