Editor’s Note
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a new excise policy for the 2026-27 fiscal year, introducing higher license fees and an export framework. This move is projected to boost state revenue by approximately ₹1,500 crore and is expected to result in increased retail prices for liquor starting in April.
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a new excise policy for 2026-27, which may lead to an increase in retail liquor prices from April. License fees have been hiked and an export policy has also been implemented, with expectations of generating an additional revenue of ₹1,500 crore.
With the Uttar Pradesh government approving the excise policy rules for the year 2026-27, retail liquor prices in the state may increase from April. According to a statement, the state cabinet approved the policy, which includes higher license fees for retail shopkeepers and changes in pricing rules.
Meanwhile, the state government has also issued an excise export policy for 2026-27, making Uttar Pradesh the first state in the country to present a separate action plan to promote the export of liquor produced in the state to foreign markets.
This policy is focused on promoting investment in distillation, bottling, packaging, and logistics to increase Uttar Pradesh’s presence in the global market. According to the statement, the government has decided that for the financial year 2026-27, the management of composite shops, model shops, premium model shops, and retail shops for country liquor and cannabis will initially be done through renewal upon receipt of applications.
Category/Type | Old Price (₹) | New Price (₹)
Country Liquor (36% alcohol) | 165 | 173
English Liquor (IMFL) | Category-wise | +10 to +30
Beer | Category-wise | ~7.5% increase
Country Liquor ‘Baccha’ (100ml) | — | 50
Cannabis Shop Fee | — | +10% increase
This arrangement will be effective from the date of promulgation of the Excise Policy Year 2026-27. According to the statement, retail shops will be open from 10 AM to 10 PM. The statement informed that the M.G.R./license fee for retail liquor shops has been increased by 7.5 percent, while the license fee for cannabis shops will see a 10 percent increase. According to the statement, these measures are expected to provide the government with an additional revenue of ₹1,500 crore.