New Excise Policy: Crackdown on Ahatas, Liquor Shops Shut in Small Villages

New Excise Policy: Crackdown on Ahatas, Liquor Shops Shut in Small Villages

Last Updated May - 06 - 2025, 03:43 PM | Source : Fela News

The Haryana government has approved the new Excise Policy for 2025–27, aimed at increasing transparency in the liquor trade and curbing illegal activities.

Under the new policy, strict regulations have been imposed on the operation of ahatas (drinking enclosures attached to liquor shops), and liquor shops in villages with a population of less than 500 will be shut down.

As per the new rules, the maximum area for an ahata has been capped at 1,000 square meters. Live music, dance, and other entertainment programs are now completely banned at these venues. Additionally, their operating hours have been reduced—now limited to 4:00 AM, down from the earlier closing time of 8:00 AM.

The policy also mandates that liquor shops must not be visible from national and state highways. Violation of this rule will attract penalties: ₹1 lakh for the first offense, ₹2 lakh for the second, and ₹3 lakh for the third. After the third violation, the shop’s license will be cancelled.

Furthermore, the policy prohibits the opening of liquor shops in villages with populations under 500. As a result, 152 liquor shops in over 700 such villages across the state will be closed.

This move is intended to regulate the liquor business and promote public health and social welfare in the state.

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