THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Christmas around the corner, cakes and wine are in high demand. Some people make both at home. But if you make wine at home and sell it to make money for Christmas, the Excise officials will reach your doorstep.

According to the Excise Department, those who make and sell wine without a license will have to face a year in prison and a fine of one lakh rupees. The Excise Department came out with the warning following the rise in the number of people who are making wine without a license and selling it by posting advertisements through social media. Making and selling wine at home without a license is a punishable offence under the Abkari Act.

Making wine without a license is considered illegal because of the formation of alcohol when ingredients such as fruit and sugar are fermented. Under the provisions of the Kerala Excise Act, 2022, those who make wine without a license will have to go to jail.