Bhubaneswar: Liquor sales at beach shacks will be allowed only through the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) to promote tourism, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan clarified on Friday.
“There is no room for any further confusion on this. Licenses will be granted only to the OTDC and hence the provision will entirely depend on it,” he told reporters.
The new Excise Policy for 2026-29, which came into force from April 1, prohibits sale of liquor near Shree Jagannath Temple, Grand Road, venue of annual Rath Yatra, and beach shacks within the Puri municipal limits. Besides, home delivery of liquor around the temple has also been banned. However, the OTDC will be issued temporary licences to serve liquor at its eco-retreat destinations and designated beach sites, elsewhere.
According to the policy, OTDC and the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) will be permitted to sell liquor at concessional rates, with their licence fees reduced by 50%.
Responding to queries on sale of liquor in tetra packets, the Minister said: “The option to use tetra packaging for liquor has existed in the state’s excise rules since 2014, though it has not been implemented in the market until now. The government will not impose any restrictions on licensed entities wishing to produce or sell liquor in tetra packs.”
He stressed that the policy prioritises strict regulation of liquor manufacturing and sales to curb illegal trade, while ensuring overall compliance.
The new policy specifies that India-made foreign liquor can be packaged in 180 ml tetra packs with six protective layers and clear display of the shelf life or “best before” consumption date. The manufacturers also have to ensure prior certification from recognised bodies such as the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), the Indian Institute of Packaging, or any institute notified by the excise commissioner.
The move has drawn criticism from opposition parties, particularly the BJD, who have labeled it “unethical” and “anti-youth,” arguing that the portable, juice-like packaging could make alcohol more accessible to younger people and contradict earlier promises related to alcohol regulation.
The government, however, has defended the policy as a continuation of existing provisions with added safeguards.
Overall, the 2026-29 excise framework focuses on regulatory stability, with measures such as no new liquor outlets in many categories, restrictions near sensitive areas like Puri, and a new 0.5% de-addiction cess to support public health initiatives.
