Tue Mar 25 16:50:54 UTC 2025: ## Noida Liquor Shops See Huge Rush as Vendors Offer Steep Discounts Before Deadline

**NOIDA, INDIA – March 26, 2025** – Long queues snaked outside liquor shops across Noida on Tuesday as consumers rushed to take advantage of significant discounts and promotional offers before the end of the fiscal year. Vendors are aggressively clearing their stock before new contractors take over on April 1st, leading to scenes of heavy bulk purchasing and reports of “buy one, get one free” deals.

Videos circulating on social media showed throngs of people lining up outside stores, some leaving with crates of alcohol. One video captured a man claiming a “lockdown” was imminent, urging others to buy immediately.

The rush is attributed to a March 31st deadline imposed by the Uttar Pradesh government. Existing vendors are required to return unsold stock to the government, incentivizing them to clear inventory before the new financial year begins.

This year’s changes include a new e-lottery system for allocating liquor licenses and the introduction of “Composite Shops,” merging beer and foreign liquor outlets. While operating hours remain unchanged (10 am to 10 pm), the new excise policy, approved by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet in February, promises significant changes to the state’s liquor industry. Excise Minister Nitin Agarwal confirmed the maintained operating hours. The discounts and resulting crowds are expected to intensify in the coming days as the deadline approaches.

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