You Can Now Buy Liquor At Petrol Pumps In Chandigarh? All About The City’s New Policy

People in Chandigarh will no longer need to visit dedicated liquor stores to buy chilled alcohol. The Chandigarh Administration has approved the Excise Policy for 2026-27, introducing a range of changes aimed at enhancing regulation, boosting revenue, and improving consumer convenience. Here’s everything you need to know.

Chandigarh Gets New Liquor Policy

Chandigarh is set to move away from its traditional liquor retail system. According to India Today, alcohol will now be available at petrol pumps and large departmental stores to improve accessibility. With the required licences, these stores will be allowed to sell foreign liquor, wine, and beer.

Authorities say the move will expand retail availability and bring sales into more organised spaces. The policy also makes digital payments mandatory at liquor shops to enhance transparency and streamline transactions, with vendors required to accept card-based and POS payments.

Also Read: From Ready-To-Serve Shots To Limited-Edition Spirits, 12 New Alcohol Launches In India To Try

Here’s All You Need To Know About This

Not all petrol pumps and departmental stores will be allowed to sell liquor in Chandigarh. Under the new guidelines, only outlets with an annual GST turnover exceeding ₹3 crore will be eligible. Licences for these stores will be issued under Section 10B.

According to NDTV, the move is aimed at modernising Chandigarh’s liquor retail system and aligning it with global practices, where alcohol is often sold in organised retail spaces rather than standalone outlets. It is also expected to make purchases more convenient, particularly for senior citizens and women who may feel uncomfortable visiting traditional liquor shops.

Another key change under the policy is the extension of liquor outlet operating hours in Chandigarh, which will now run until midnight. The decision was made after taking into account the timings followed in neighbouring states and regions. Furthermore, all establishments now have to install CCTV cameras at additional storage facilities, with provisions for live monitoring access for authorities.

Also Read: Karnataka Decides To Step Back From Fixing Liquor Prices; Here’s What’s Going To Change

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