Online Payments Made Mandatory For Liquor Sales
New Year Celebrations: Maharashtra State Excise Department Extends Liquor Sale Timings
August 28, 2025 – In a significant move to bring transparency to liquor sales, the Chhattisgarh government has announced that all liquor transactions in the state will now be conducted exclusively through online payments, completely eliminating cash dealings at licensed outlets.
Excise Minister Lakhanlal Dewangan, who assumed charge following the recent cabinet expansion, issued directives during a departmental review meeting, instructing that 100% cashless transactions be implemented across all liquor shops.
The initiative aims to curb irregularities, ensure revenue accountability, and prevent illegal liquor sales. In addition, CCTV cameras will be installed in all outlets for 24-hour surveillance, while stricter measures will be taken to monitor hotels, dhabas and farmhouses suspected of facilitating illegal liquor trade.
Minister Dewangan also directed officials to take immediate action against unauthorised liquor parties at private properties and strengthen vigilance at interstate excise checkpoints.
This decision follows revelations of a ₹3,200-crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh, prompting authorities to introduce measures that ensure greater oversight, compliance and transparency in the sector.
