‘Breaking contractors’ monopoly’: HP govt begins first-ever e-auction of liquor vends

“The e-auction will be conducted unit-wise, with separate online bids invited for each retail excise liquor unit. Applicants will be able to participate in the bidding process remotely from their homes or offices,” the officer added.

Meanwhile, for liquor vends in Kinnaur, Hamirpur and Chamba districts, the submission of online applications will be open from February 23 at 6.55 pm to February 26 at 6:15 pm. Scrutiny of documents will be conducted from February 25 at 6.30 pm to February 27 at 6:55 pm. The auction of retail liquor units will be held on February 28 from 9 am to 5 pm.

State Taxes & Excise Commissioner Dr Yunus said, “All applicants must register on the designated e-auction portal using a valid DSC.”

He advised prospective bidders to carefully read and understand the Excise Policy 2026-27, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and user manuals before participating in the bidding process. “These documents will be available on the departmental website as well as on the e-auction portal.”

For Sirmour, Una and Baddi districts, applications can be submitted from February 24 to February 26. For Solan, Kangra and Bilaspur districts, applications will be accepted from February 25 to February 27.

For Mandi and Nurpur districts, applications can be submitted from February 26 to February 228.

For Shimla and Kullu districts, applications can be submitted from February 27 to March 3.