Chandigarh : The Chandigarh Administration will conduct an online e-auction for 97 liquor vends across the city on March 18 as part of the implementation of its annual excise policy for the upcoming financial year. Officials have already finalized the reserve prices for all the identified locations where retail liquor licenses will be offered to bidders.
Among the various sites listed for auction, the liquor vend located in Palsoora village has been assigned the highest reserve price of ₹11.41 crore. According to officials, the higher base price reflects the strong commercial potential of the area, particularly due to its proximity to Mohali, which attracts significant customer footfall and liquor sales.
Another notable location is the liquor vend in Sector 41-C Market, which has been fixed with a reserve price of ₹1.43 crore. Authorities said reserve prices for different vends have been determined based on factors such as location, market demand, and past sales performance.
The administration has decided to allot all liquor retail licenses through a digital e-bidding system, allowing eligible participants to submit bids online. Officials stated that the e-auction format is designed to ensure greater transparency, efficiency, and convenience in the allotment process.
Interested bidders will be able to participate in the auction remotely without the need for physical presence, reducing administrative hurdles and improving accessibility. The system also enables real-time bidding, ensuring a competitive and fair process.
The excise department believes the online auction method will help maximize government revenue while maintaining transparency in the allocation of liquor vends. Similar digital auctions have been used in previous years and have received positive responses from participants.
Once the bidding concludes on March 18, the highest bidders for each location will be awarded the liquor vend licenses for the next financial year, subject to compliance with the conditions laid down in the excise policy.
Officials added that detailed guidelines regarding eligibility, registration, and bidding procedures have already been issued to ensure a smooth and transparent auction process.
The administration expects strong participation from liquor contractors and business operators across the region.
