Jaipur: Rajasthan’s Bhajanlal government has unveiled its new excise policy for the fiscal year 2026-27. While alcohol enthusiasts will feel the pinch, the policy also imposes higher sales targets on liquor shop owners.
Price Hike for Beer and Spirits
Under the new policy, excise duty has been increased from 75% to 80%. Effective from April 1, this will lead to price hikes of ₹5 to ₹20 per bottle or can. Beer prices are expected to rise by around ₹5 per bottle, while a 750ml bottle of imported liquor could cost up to ₹20 more.
Extended Shop Timings
There is, however, a silver lining for consumers. Currently, liquor shops operate from 10 AM to 8 PM. The new policy grants the Excise Commissioner the authority to review operating hours, with a possibility of extending shop timings until 10 PM. Additionally, shop owners will now be allowed to maintain two warehouses instead of one, easing stock management.
Increased Burden on Shop Owners
The government has also significantly raised license renewal, guarantee, and application fees. For shops with a reserve price above ₹2 crore, the application fee has increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.20 lakh. The higher fees will place additional pressure on shop owners to increase sales compared to the previous year.
Overall, while the new excise policy will boost government revenue, alcohol lovers will have to loosen their purse strings for their evening indulgences.
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