City grapples with liquor shortage as 48 vends remain shut

The city is facing an unprecedented liquor crisis, with vends running dry, prices skyrocketing and customers scrambling to neighboring cities to stock up.

The shortage began after the UT Excise and Taxation Department sealed 48 liquor vends on April 9, cancelling their licences due to non-payment of bank guarantees. Of the 96 vends allotted for the 2025-26 financial year, nearly half were shut down after successful bidders failed to submit guarantees worth Rs 40 crore.

The remaining 48 vends are struggling to meet demand, as most are unable to replenish stock owing to a pending Punjab and Haryana High Court order on a petition filed by the Chandigarh Wine Contractors Association. The association has alleged cartelisation in vend allotments, claiming that 87 out of 96 licences were secured by just two or three individuals operating through multiple firms, relatives or associates. With the next hearing set for April 24, many contractors are holding off on fresh purchases, worsening the supply crunch.

Beer lovers are among the worst affected, with popular brands like Kingfisher, Budweiser and Corona not available at most outlets. The few shops with remaining stock are charging up to Rs 200 per bottle — far above the maximum retail price of Rs 130. Even mid-range Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brands such as Black Dog, Red Label, Black Label, Teachers and Jameson have vanished from shelves.

With local supply falling short, residents are turning to Mohali and Panchkula, where vendors are capitalising on the surge in demand by hiking prices. “Major brands are unavailable in Chandigarh, forcing us to buy from Panchkula despite the inflated costs,” said a frustrated customer at a Sector 21 vend.

Liquor contractors admit the situation is unprecedented. “This is the first time in years we’ve seen such a crisis in April,” one contractor said. “Until the court delivers its verdict, most of us are hesitant to make any moves.”