Himachal rolls out online e-auction for liquor vends

The Himachal Pradesh government has launched its inaugural online e-auction system for the allotment of retail liquor shops for the financial year 2026-27, marking a shift from traditional manual methods to a fully digital process.

Under the new system, applicants can participate remotely through designated portals, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and convenience. The e-auction process began with retail liquor units in Kinnaur, Hamirpur, and Chamba districts.

The state government has approved the unit-wise online allocation of all retail excise liquor units, with separate bids invited for each unit. The structured application and auction schedule is being conducted district-wise, starting from February 23 and continuing in phases until March 7, 2026.