Noida Excise Department Announces Expansion with 25 New Liquor Shops
The excise department in Noida has unveiled plans to significantly expand its retail liquor network in the upcoming financial year. A total of 25 new liquor shops are set to be introduced, with an e-lottery scheduled for April 9 to allocate these licenses. This strategic move is projected to bolster the district's excise revenue by approximately Rs 30 crore, marking a substantial financial boost for local governance and infrastructure projects.
Details of the New Liquor Shops and E-Lottery Process
According to District Excise Officer Subodh Kumar, the expansion includes 23 new country liquor shops and two composite liquor shops. With this addition, the total number of liquor vends in Gautam Budh Nagar district will rise from 501 to 526. Currently, the district operates 501 retail liquor shops, consisting of 234 country liquor shops, 239 composite liquor shops, one bhaang shop, and 27 model shops.
Officials have clarified that the e-lottery will also incorporate five shops from the previous financial year—four model shops and one country liquor shop—whose licenses could not be renewed. Consequently, a total of 30 shops will be allotted through the e-lottery system, streamlining the allocation process and ensuring transparency.
Application and Licence Fee Structure
The excise department has already commenced accepting applications for the e-lottery, with varying fee structures based on the type of shop. The application fees are as follows:
- Country liquor shops: Rs 40,000 to Rs 65,000
- Composite shops: Rs 55,000 to Rs 90,000
- Model shops: Rs 60,000 to Rs 1 lakh
Subodh Kumar emphasized that these application fees are separate from the licence fees. Once a shop is allotted via the e-lottery, the successful applicant must pay a licence fee, which varies depending on the shop's location and projected revenue potential. This tiered pricing model aims to optimize revenue collection while accommodating different market segments.
Rationale Behind the Expansion and Historical Context
Officials stated that this expansion is part of the department's annual exercise to rationalize liquor retail distribution and enhance excise revenue in the district. In the last financial year (2025-26), the excise department received 18,229 applications and generated Rs 150 crore in revenue. Notably, this was the first e-lottery draw for licenses since 2018, as prior to 2025, existing shops' licenses were renewed annually without a lottery system.
The introduction of the e-lottery represents a shift towards a more equitable and transparent allocation process, reducing potential biases and fostering fair competition among applicants. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize administrative procedures and boost public trust in government operations.
By increasing the number of liquor shops, the department aims to better serve consumer demand, reduce illegal liquor trade, and generate additional funds for local development. The projected Rs 30 crore revenue increase will contribute to various civic projects, potentially improving urban infrastructure and public services in Noida and surrounding areas.
