The financial year 2026 – 2027 is a crucial period for liquor licensing, retail shop allotments, and excise policy renewals across India. Every state government controls alcohol sales through its Excise Department, and most states issue fresh tenders, e-auctions, renewals, or lottery allotments before the start of the new excise year (generally April 1).
This detailed blog covers the expected and announced liquor tender updates for 2026, state by state, along with eligibility, process, documents required, and important timelines.
How Liquor Tendering Works in India
Liquor retail and wholesale licenses are regulated by individual State Excise Departments. States generally follow one of these systems:
- E-Tender System – Bidders submit technical and financial bids online.
- E-Auction System – Licenses are awarded to the highest bidder.
- Lottery System – Random allotment among eligible applicants.
- Renewal Model – Existing license holders get priority renewal upon payment of fees.
The excise year typically runs from April 1 to March 31.
State-Wise Upcoming Liquor Tender 2026
The following are the upcoming liquor tenders in 2026, get ready-
1. Himachal Pradesh Liquor Tender 2026
Himachal Pradesh has introduced a full e-auction system for retail liquor vends.
Key Highlights:
- Complete online e-auction for 2026–27.
- District-wise auction scheduling.
- Mandatory Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for bidders.
- Security deposit and earnest money required before participation.
- Shop allotment based on highest bid value.
Timeline:
- Application window usually opens in February.
- Auctions conducted district wise before March end.
- License period begins April 1, 2026.
This shift increases transparency and competition among bidders.
2. Madhya Pradesh Liquor Tender 2026
Madhya Pradesh follows a structured e-tender and e-auction hybrid model.
Key Features:
- All existing retail shops re-allotted via e-tender.
- No automatic renewal in many categories.
- Government may restrict opening of new shops.
- Composite shop model (country liquor + IMFL combined in some areas).
Estimated Numbers:
- Over 3,000 retail outlets expected to be re-auctioned.
- Group-based allotment system in major districts.
Important: Bidders must-
- Register on state excise portal.
- Submit financial solvency certificate.
- Provide GST registration and PAN details.
3. Uttar Pradesh Liquor License 2026
Uttar Pradesh generally uses a lottery-based system instead of open bidding in many categories.
Expected 2026 Policy Features:
- E-lottery system for retail shops.
- Online application submission.
- Category-wise licenses:
>>Country liquor
>> Foreign liquor (IMFL)
>> Beer shops
>> Model shops
- Annual license fee revisions likely.
Timeline:
- Policy announcement typically in January to February.
- Application window February–March.
- Allotment before April 1.
4. Punjab Liquor Tender 2026
Punjab operates through a group allotment system.
Key Highlights:
- Retail liquor shops divided into groups.
- Reserve price fixed by excise department.
- Bidding or negotiated allotment depending on policy.
- Increase in license fee and quota obligations expected.
Important Trend:
There is growing demand for smaller group sizes to allow medium traders to compete.
5. Haryana Liquor Tender 2026
Haryana is known for high-revenue excise auctions.
System:
- E-auction for retail zones.
- Minimum reserve price per zone.
- Heavy security deposit requirement.
- Strict compliance and quota lifting rules.
License Validity:
April 2026 to March 2027.
Haryana is considered one of the most competitive liquor auction markets in North India.
6. Rajasthan Liquor Tender 2026
Rajasthan follows an e-auction model.
Features:
- District wise shop auction.
- Composite liquor shops.
- Mandatory solvency certificate.
- Shop transfer restrictions during the license period.
Reserve prices vary significantly based on urban or rural classification.
7. Delhi Liquor License 2026
Delhi follows a government-controlled retail structure after policy revisions in recent years.
Current Structure:
- Government corporations operate the majority of retail shops.
- Limited scope for private retail tender unless policy changes.
- Wholesale licenses may be open through a tender process.
Any major structural change will depend on new excise policy announcements in early 2026.
8. Odisha Liquor Tender 2026
Odisha invites tenders for:
- Retail liquor shops
- Airport liquor outlets
- Special location licenses
The state follows:
- E-tender submission
- Technical qualification screening
- Financial bid opening
9. Karnataka Liquor License 2026
Karnataka primarily operates via:
- CL-2 retail license system
- Bar and restaurant licenses
- Annual renewal with fee revision
Fresh tenders are limited unless new shops are sanctioned.
10. Tamil Nadu Liquor System 2026
Tamil Nadu operates liquor retail through a government entity:
Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC)
Key Point:
- No private retail liquor tender.
- Government controls wholesale and retail distribution.
Eligibility Criteria for Liquor Tender 2026
Although rules differ by state, common eligibility includes:
- Minimum age 21 or 25 years (varies by state).
- An Indian citizen or a registered company/partnership.
- No criminal record under excise laws.
- PAN and GST registration.
- Financial solvency certificate from the bank.
- Earnest Money Deposit (EMD).
Documents Required
- Aadhaar and PAN
- Address proof
- Bank solvency certificate
- GST registration
- Affidavit of non-blacklisting
- Income tax returns (last 2–3 years)
- Digital Signature Certificate (for e-auction states)
Read More about GST Rates for Government Tenders
Security Deposit and Investment
Approximate investment varies by state and location:
- Rural shops: Moderate investment
- Urban prime locations: High reserve price
- Metro cities: Very high security deposits
Total initial investment may range from several lakhs to multiple crores, depending on the state and shop category.
Important Tentative Timeline for 2026
January–February 2026
- Announcement of new excise policy.
February–March 2026
- Online registration and application submission.
- E-auction or lottery process.
April 1, 2026
- New excise year begins.
- License validity starts.
Final Words
The upcoming liquor tenders for 2026 across Indian states present significant business opportunities but require careful planning, financial readiness, and strict compliance with excise laws. Each state follows its own licensing framework, so bidders must closely monitor official excise department notifications between January and March 2026.
Businesses interested in participating should begin preparing financial documents, arranging security deposits, and registering on respective state excise portals well in advance.