Liquor brand naming row: Excise justifies contest in court

KOCHI: The Excise Commissioner has defended the advertisement inviting suggestions for naming a liquor brand proposed to be launched by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation. In an affidavit filed before the Kerala High Court, the Excise Department clarified that the advertisement merely sought name suggestions for a liquor product that may be introduced in the future and did not promote the purchase or consumption of alcohol. The advertisement had triggered widespread protests.

Last Thursday, the High Court had stayed all further proceedings related to the liquor naming contest. The order was passed on a petition filed by Congress leader M.M. Sanjeev Kumar from Kollam.

Earlier reports had stated that Malabar Distilleries, functioning under the Kerala Beverages Corporation, was planning to launch a new brand of brandy and had invited suggestions for its name and logo, offering a cash prize. Sanjeev Kumar approached the High Court alleging that the move violated excise rules and amounted to a government institution promoting liquor.

During the hearing, the Kerala Beverages Corporation also clarified its position before the court. It stated that it is not manufacturing such a brandy and that no official notification had been issued inviting suggestions for a name or logo. The earlier advertisement offering Rs 10,000 as a reward for suggesting a name and logo for the liquor brand had sparked controversy.