Kerala government moves to cancel licence for selling 15% alcoholic horti wine through bakeries

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Excise Minister M. Liju has sought an urgent report from Excise Commissioner Sambasiva Rao over the sale of horti wine with 15% alcohol content through bakeries. The government was reportedly unaware that the sales had begun. The government is now preparing to cancel the licence permitting the sale of horti wine through bakeries. Minister Liju has directed the Tax Secretary to seek legal advice on the matter.

The Minister criticised officials for taking such a policy decision without informing the government. He said he came to know about the sale only through the media.

"I came to know about the sale of horti wine through bakeries from the media. I immediately sought an urgent report from the State Excise Commissioner. During the previous government's tenure, amendments were made to Kerala's Abkari laws, and rules were framed to facilitate the sale of horti wine. However, the government has concerns about selling horti wine through shops and bakeries. The order was issued within two days of the new Excise Commissioner taking charge. Technically, the file may not have to come before the Minister. However, a decision on the matter should have been taken after informing the Minister and the government," Liju said.

Meanwhile, the Excise Commissionerate maintained that the sale was permitted under the law. The licence for the sale was granted in June, with a tax structure of 86 per cent. Entrepreneurs have already approached the government seeking a reduction in the tax burden.