The future of low-alcohol beverage sales in Kerala hinges on state's liquor policy,which is still under development,according to Excise Minister M . Liju. During press conference on Friday, he clarified that the recent Budget proposal for tax reductions on these beverages is not an immediate action but rather a consideration for future implementation.
"The final word regarding sales of liquor in Kerala will be the liquor policy," Liju stated. He emphasized that a comprehensive liquor policy from the United Democratic Front (UDF) government is necessary before any decisions on low-alcohol beverages can be finalized . The Chief Minister has made it clear that the proposed tax cuts are not intended for immediate sales; they are meant to establish a framework for when sales eventually commence.
Before any sales can occur, brand registration applications must be approved by the Excise Commissioner. Liju expressed his current stance against such applications,stating, "As the Excise Minister,my stand right now is that such applications should be rejected." However, he noted that if liquor policy undergoes the necessary changes, the sales could be permitted .
The concept of low-alcohol beverages was initially introduced by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in its 2022 liquor policy, which was followed by amendments to the Abkari Rules in 2023. When questioned about his awareness of tax cut proposal,Liju mentioned that it is not customary for Finance Ministers to discuss tax proposals with their counterparts.
In separate matter,Liju addressed the suspension of production for the popular ‘Jawan’ liquor at the Travancore Sugars and Chemicals Limited (TSCL). He confirmed that measures are being taken to resume production. "Directions have been issued to calculate the losses due to the stoppage of production and to initiate action against those responsible," he stated. The production of the 750-ml Jawan liquor was halted during the previous government’s tenure,and 1000-ml production was also suspended due to a shortage of packaging materials. Liju noted that production of the 1000-ml Jawan resumed day before the press conference.
