Liquor Vend Auction Flops: UT Bags Just ₹131 Crore
The Union Territory’s Excise and Taxation Department’s auction of 48 cancelled liquor vends yielded disappointing results. Only 20 licences found buyers in the e-auction held on April 21, 2025.
The department had hoped for significantly higher revenue. The 20 successful bids generated a total of ₹131 crore. This falls considerably short of projected earnings.
The lukewarm response is attributed to the cancellation of the original licences due to non-payment of bank guarantees. This created uncertainty among prospective bidders.
Experts predict this shortfall will impact the UT’s revenue projections for the current financial year. The government may need to explore alternative revenue streams or revise its excise policy.
This incident highlights the risks associated with stringent licensing policies and the importance of robust financial safeguards in government auctions. The impact on the UT’s budget and potential policy revisions warrant close scrutiny.
