Face2News/Chandigarh

The Excise Department is continuously undertaking comprehensive monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure strict compliance of the provisions of the Excise Policy 2025–26 and the Punjab Excise Act, 1914 by all licensed retail liquor vends operating within the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

In furtherance of this objective, the department has continuously intensified its enforcement activities to curb malpractices and ensure adherence to the prescribed regulatory framework. As a result of these proactive enforcement measures, during the excise policy 2025-26 till date,the department has conducted 66 inspections resulting in seizure of 19000 bottles (approx.) liquors and legal proceedings have also been initiated as per the applicable excise laws. Also, during past months 7 retail liquor vends were sealed which were found selling liquor below the Minimum Retail Sale Price (MRSP), which is a direct violation of the Excise Policy and adversely impacts market discipline and revenue interests of the government.

Continuing this drive, a special enforcement inspection was conducted at various liquor retail vends across different locations in the Union Territory. During these inspectionson 18.12.2025, 20 vends were checked and the retail vend located in Sector 22-C was sealed as well as on 21.12.2025, 06 retail vends were checked and the 02 vends situated at KhudaLahora and Dhanas, were found to be violating the mandatory norms regarding the maintenance of minimum retail sale prices were sealed by the department.

Further, as part of routine checking and compliance verification, the Excise Department conducted inspections of 20ayliquor retail vends on Tuesday. During these checks, it was observed that the inspected vends were strictly adhering to the prescribed minimum retail sale prices and were operating in conformity with the Excise Policy provisions.The department directed to all licensees to strictly comply with the provisions of the Excise Policy 2025–26.

The Excise Department reiterates that it remains firmly committed to ensuring a transparent, fair, and well-regulated excise regime in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Regular inspections, surprise checks, and enforcement drives will continue to be carried out across all sectors and areas. Any licensee found indulging in violations of the Excise Policy or statutory provisions will be dealt with strictly, including sealing of premises, imposition of penalties, and other punitive actions as provided under the law.