In an effort to generate more revenue, Uttar Pradesh (UP) plans to introduce 449 new liquor shops in the coming weeks. The allocation of permits for Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), beer, and model shops will be conducted through an online lottery on June 20. Once this phase is completed, UP will see a significant boost in its retail vend count, reaching nearly 30,000 establishments.
The excise department has set its sights on significantly higher revenue from retail license fees. In the previous fiscal year, licensing of 29,522 retail vends generated approximately INR 3,000 crore. However, this time around, the department aims to achieve revenue of INR 3,600 crore.
According to officials, the recent surge in urbanization and the emergence of new residential areas has prompted the authorities to establish 449 additional shops. As a result, 55 out of the 75 districts in the state will witness the opening of new shops. Notably, Lucknow, Bahraich, Mau, Unnao, Sultanpur, Kanpur, and Ayodhya will experience a substantial increase in their number of outlets, ranging from 15 to 23, owing to the rapid expansion of their urban boundaries.
Officials have stated that the policy has been amended to include a provision for setting up an additional 2% of shops compared to the previous year. This decision was made in response to the rising demand and to ensure that the increased need for shops is met effectively.
Following the surveys conducted, it has been decided that Lucknow will witness the establishment of 23 new shops. As a result, residents residing in and around Sushant Golf City, Mahigawan in Itaunja, Revari in Kakori, Kanjakheda in Sarojininaga, Mastemau in Mohanlalganj, Mansarovar Yojna in Aashiana, and Jiyamau will experience increased convenience, as they will no longer have to travel long distances to access necessary facilities.
“In Lucknow, 23 new shops have been floated and an online lottery procedure is underway. We have considered the distance between existing shops and the population base within that distance. Feedback has been taken from the existing retailers to find out how many localities are being covered and what is the immediate catchment. Localities which hold potential for liquor business have been selected to set up new shops,” said district excise officer of Lucknow, SK Mishra.
Residents of Kanpur, specifically those living in Ispatnagar, Najafgarh, Gaushala (Hamirpur road), Kukri, and other areas, can look forward to some respite. This comes as good news for individuals who enjoy alcoholic beverages, as they will now have easier access to their preferred outlets without the need for extensive travel.
