Uttar Pradesh: Liquor Shops Witness Huge Rush as March 31 Deadline Nears; Vendors Offer ‘Buy One, Get One’ Discounts to Clear Stock (Watch Video)

Liquor vendors across Uttar Pradesh are rushing to clear their stock ahead of the March 31 deadline under the state’s new excise policy. To avoid losses, many shops have launched heavy discounts and “Buy One, Get One Free” offers, leading to long lines and heavy crowds outside stores.

एक बोतल पर एक बोतल दारू फ्री –

उत्तर प्रदेश के शराब ठेके वालों को 31 मार्च की रात 12 बजे तक सारा स्टॉक खत्म करना है। वरना बची हुई दारू सरकारी खाते में जमा हो जाएगी और उसकी बिक्री नहीं हो पाएगी। इसलिए ठेके वाले ग्राहकों को खूब ऑफर दे रहे हैं। Video नोएडा की है। pic.twitter.com/hCLD9sxleu

— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) March 25, 2025

The new policy mandates that any unsold liquor after March 31 cannot be sold in the new financial year. Vendors must either surrender the remaining stock to the government or destroy it. This has pushed traders to slash prices and empty their shelves before the cutoff.

Cities like Lucknow have seen liquor shops putting up large posters promoting the offers. Customers are rushing to take advantage of the deals, creating long queues and crowded scenes. Vendors say they are left with no choice but to offer discounts, as the government has not provided a clear solution for unsold stock.

Some traders have approached the courts, seeking relief. The court directed the state to review the situation, but vendors allege no action has been taken so far.

As the March 31 deadline nears, liquor stores continue to witness heavy footfall. Customers are eager to buy alcohol at reduced prices, while shopkeepers focus on clearing their shelves before the policy takes effect.