Bhubaneswar, Mar 27: The Odisha government will conduct a lottery in April for the allotment of liquor shops, with authorities assuring a fully transparent and fair process.

Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said the lottery will be held in the presence of District Collectors to maintain accountability. He added that an electronic lottery system may also be introduced, if required, to enhance efficiency and eliminate any scope for irregularities.

Officials noted that the tenure of existing liquor shop owners—who had secured licences through the previous lottery—will end on March 31. However, to ensure a smooth transition, they will be granted a two-month extension until the new allotments are finalised.

Under the new excise policy, hotels with a three-star rating and above that have bar facilities will be permitted to operate on-shops (bars). At the same time, the government has clarified that no new liquor shops will be opened, and the number of existing off-shop outlets will remain unchanged.

The Minimum Guaranteed Excise Revenue (MGER) for these outlets has been fixed accordingly. The minister reiterated that five-year licences for off-shops and country liquor units are expiring, and all efforts are being made to ensure a smooth, transparent, and efficient allotment process.

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