Online Bidding to Decide Liquor Vend Allotments for FY 2026–27

The Department of State Taxes and Excise has announced that the allotment of retail liquor vends and entry toll barriers for the financial year 2026–27 will be conducted through a fully digital e-auction system , reflecting a broader shift toward transparent and technology-driven excise administration. Officials said the move is intended to strengthen transparency, accountability, revenue realization, and ease of doing business , while reducing manual intervention and minimizing the risk of favoritism or cartelisation. The auction will be conducted unit-wise , with each unit comprising designated liquor retail outlets and related toll barriers, enabling streamlined allocation and fair competition among bidders.

Under the new system, applicants can participate remotely from their homes or offices. All bidders must mandatorily register on the designated portal using a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to ensure secure authentication and legally binding submissions. Only bids submitted through the official portal will be accepted. The e-auction process includes online registration, document submission and verification, payment of registration fees and Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) , pre-qualification approval, and participation in real-time competitive bidding. The digital platform maintains bid logs and auto-extension features to prevent last-minute manipulation and ensure fairness.

Applicants may include individuals, partnerships, LLPs, and registered companies, subject to eligibility criteria and disqualification norms under excise laws. Successful bidders will receive allotment orders after fulfilling payment obligations and complying with licensing conditions, safety regulations, and taxation requirements. Prospective participants are advised to carefully review the Excise Policy 2026-27 , standard operating procedures, reserve prices, and user manuals available on the department’s website before participating.

Excise revenue from liquor sales is one of the largest non-tax revenue sources for state governments, making transparent allocation critical for fiscal stability. By adopting e-auctions, authorities aim to ensure fair market pricing, widen bidder participation, prevent disputes, and maintain digital audit trails for accountability. Officials have urged interested bidders to regularly check the official website for notifications, schedules, and technical guidelines to avoid missing key deadlines. The digital transition is expected to modernize excise administration, enhance public trust, and create a level playing field for all participants.