Thiruvananthapuram, 20 June (H.S.): Kerala excise minister M.Liju on Saturday clarified that the UDF government has not taken any policy decision on the sale or promotion of low-alcohol beverages in the state ,dismissing criticism from the opposition on the matter.

The minister said the concept of categorising beverages with an alcohol content ranging from 0.5 per cent to 20 per cent as “low-alcohol beverages” was introduced by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. He pointed out that the LDF administration had also amended regulations in 2025 to permit the production of Horti Wine, an alcoholic beverage made from fruits, with an alcohol content ranging between 20 and 30 per cent.

According to Liju, it was the previous government that laid the groundwork for the production and regulation of such beverages and also decided to grant permissions for distilleries to manufacture them. He questioned the rationale behind the LDF now criticising a concept that it had itself introduced and implemented during its tenure.

“The Excise Department under the present UDF government has not taken any special decision regarding low-alcohol beverages,” the minister said. He clarified that the only recent development was a tax-related measure taken by the Finance Department’s GST wing, which fixed a tax rate for such products. Apart from this, no policy decision has been made by the government on the matter, he added.

Liju said the government intends to hold detailed discussions on the state’s excise policy after the ongoing Assembly session concludes. The proposed consultations will involve political parties, coalition partners, various organisations, individuals, and anti-liquor groups to gather a broad range of opinions before finalising any policy changes.

He stressed that the UDF government would formulate a liquor policy aimed at balancing public concerns and the state’s development needs. Any future decision, he said, would be taken only after comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders.

The minister reiterated that the current issue relates solely to taxation and that the government has not announced any new excise policy regarding low-alcohol beverages.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman