Haryana Excise Policy: No more liquor shops in smaller villages, increased penalties—What all changed under new rules?

The Haryana Cabinet approved the Excise Policy for 2025-27 on Monday, introducing several important changes to improve liquor retailing and public safety. The new policy will be in effect from June 12, 2025, to March 31, 2027, with future policies aligning with the financial year.

“There will be no direct way from these highways to the liquor vends. The vends near state or NHs will also not be permitted to display any signboards,” according to the policy.

A key provision of the policy mandates that liquor vends cannot be visible from state or national highways. It specifies that there will be no direct access from these highways to the vends, and they will be prohibited from displaying any signboards in these areas.

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Penalties for violations have been set at Rs 1 lakh for the first offence, Rs 2 lakh for the second, and Rs 3 lakh for the third. Additionally, no liquor sub-vends will be allowed in villages with a population of 500 or fewer, a measure aimed at promoting responsible liquor retailing and addressing public sensitivities in smaller communities. As a result, 152 existing sub-vends will cease operations once the new excise policy comes into effect.

In urban areas, liquor vends will no longer be allowed to remain open after 4 am, a change from the previous closing time of 8 am.

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Haryana Excise Policy for 2025-27: Key reforms introduced

No sub-vends in small villages: Liquor sub-vends will not be allowed in villages with populations of 500 or fewer. This will impact 152 existing sub-vends across Haryana.

Stricter liquor advertisement rules: All forms of liquor advertisements, even within licensed areas, will be banned. Penalties for breaking these rules are: Rs 1 lakh for the first offence, Rs 2 lakh for the second, and Rs 3 lakh for the third. Continued violations could result in the cancellation of the liquor license.

Tavern regulations: Taverns must be in enclosed spaces approved by the authorities and cannot be visible to the public. Live performances like singing, dancing, or theatre will not be allowed in taverns.

Limited hours for vends: Liquor vends in urban areas must close by 4 am, a change from the previous 8 am.

Higher fees for temporary licenses: It will now cost more to get temporary licenses for events in unregistered venues like banquet halls, especially in cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, and Panchkula.

Health warnings and cautionary messages: All licensed vends must display health warnings like “Consumption of Alcohol is Injurious to Health” and “Do Not Drink and Drive” on their signboards.

Revenue targets: The revenue target for FY26 is Rs 14,064 crore. In FY25, the Excise and Taxation Department exceeded its target by collecting Rs 12,700 crore.

(With inputs from agencies)