The State Taxes and Excise Department, Himachal Pradesh on March 31, 2026, issued the amendment to the Himachal Pradesh Liquor License Rules, 1986.
The following has been stated namely: -
• After Rule 36 the following shall be added namely: -
“1. The following licenses will be granted/allotted by way of e-Auction process for the year 2026-27 on the terms and conditions as prescribed in the succeeding paras :-
o A license in form L-2 for retail vend of all types of liquor including IMFL, BII, BIO, Beer, Wine, Country Liquor & RTD etc. for sale to the public in urban areas. The licensee (L-2) will also be eligible to sell above said liquor (except Country Liquor) in wholesale to the licensees in form L-3, L-4, L-5, L-3A, L-4A, L-5A, L-3T, L-4T, L-5T, L-12A, L-12B, L-12C etc. for consumption off the premises.
o A license in form L-14 for retail vend of all types of liquor including IMFL, BII, BIO, Beer, Wine, Country Liquor & RTD etc. for consumption on and off the premises in the rural areas. The licensee (L-14) will also be eligible to sell above said liquor (except Country Liquor) in wholesale to the licensees in form L-3, L4, L-5, L-3A, L-4A, L-5A, L-3T, L-4T, L-5T, L-12A, L-12B, L-12C etc. for consumption off the premises.
o A license in form L-14-A for retail vend of all types of liquor including IMFL, BII, BIO, Beer, Wine, Country Liquor & RTD etc. for consumption off the premises in rural areas. The licensee (L-14A) will also be eligible to sell above said liquor (except Country Liquor) in wholesale to the licensees in form L-3, L4, L-5, L-3A, L-4A, L-5A, L-3T, L-4T, L-5T, L-12A, L-12B, L-12C etc. for consumption off the premises. (iv)A license in form L-20B for manufactures and retail sale of Country Fermented Liquor (Jhol)
2. The copy of Excise Policy, Standard operating procedure for e-Auction and user manual document of system can be downloaded from the website of the Department https://www.hptax.gov.in. In order to ensure revenue maximization and transparency, the advertisement pertaining to e-auction including online portal link and the dates of bid submission will be duly publicized in 2 to 3 leading Hindi and English newspapers.”
[Notification No. 7-1/2026-E.X.N-9596]
