India, June 16 -- Over 40 liquor zones across Gurugram's East and West zones remained unbid during the recent excise auctions, signalling growing discontent within the retail liquor trade over steep reserve prices, shrinking profitability, and policy changes perceived to favour corporate chains.

According to excise department officials, around 25 vends in East Gurugram and 17 in the West failed to draw bids, despite multiple auction rounds. In total, nearly 30% of the city's liquor vends are yet to be auctioned, with only 122 out of 185 outlets finding takers so far. Officials said efforts are now underway to sell the remaining 63 vends at a 3% discount in a bid to raise an additional Rs.500 crore.

"We've already collected Rs.2,450 cror...