Latest news with #IML
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Beer sales dip over 18% in first half of 2025
Bengaluru: Beer sales in Karnataka have taken a hit in the first six months of 2025, with overall sales dropping by more than 18% compared to the same period last year, even as revenue increased marginally by 0.6%. According to the excise department, only 209.9 lakh carton boxes were sold between Jan and June this year, down from 257 lakh cartons in the first half of 2024. The decline was steepest in Jan with sales falling by 30.6%. Even during April and May — months that usually see a surge in beer consumption due to peak summer — sales dipped by over 16% and 26% respectively. Feb saw a marginal 5.5% drop, while March and June recorded double-digit falls of 15.4% and 13.8%, suggesting the decline is not merely seasonal. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Industry insiders say the sustained slump is largely due to repeated hikes in additional excise duty (AED) and increasing retail prices. In the past two years, the govt has revised taxes and licence fees on beer and low-end Indian-made liquor (IML) four times, pushing both manufacturers and sellers into a corner. A pub chain owner from Church Street said the numbers reflect the cumulative impact of policy changes. "The main culprit is the constant uncertainty that leaves owners in losses. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Even with more spending on advertising, footfall hasn't improved. We can't hike food prices either — customers simply won't come." The sentiment is echoed by a liquor shop owner from Shivamogga, who has been in the trade for two decades. "People who once bought four bottles now settle for one. I used to sell nearly 10 cartons a day, now it's down to seven. To recover, we've had to raise prices on food and other items, but business is still in losses," he said. In response to the industry's concerns, the govt recently altered the AED (additional excise duty) structure. Venkatesh Kumar R, commissioner, excise department, told TOI that the earlier system of 195% duty plus an additional Rs 130 per bulk litre had been revised. "It's now a flat 200% AED across all segments. Manufacturers told us the Rs 130 slab was pushing up prices for low-cost beer by Rs 15–20, hurting volumes. The change was made based on those inputs," Kumar added. However, the revised duty structure has been in place for only a month, and officials admit that a full recovery will take time. Kumar noted this year's early onset of monsoon meant a weak summer, another factor that pulled down beer demand. "April to July is usually peak season, especially in Bengaluru, but that didn't materialise. Sales have been subdued across the state," he said.
West Australian
28-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Titanium Sands retains Sri Lankan tenements for mining licence push
Titanium Sands Limited (TSL) has locked in its Mannar Island heavy mineral sands project for a final push towards production, after the Sri Lankan government extended its four key exploration licences. The retention paves the way for the company to complete its ongoing environmental studies and brings it closer to securing the all-important industrial mining licence (IML) for its high-grade mineral sands deposit. The four approved licences encompass the project's high-grade zones, which TSL's 2023 scoping study projects will gross stage one revenue of nearly $2 billion and a net present value of $545 million. The licence retentions also come after the government issued terms of reference (ToR) earlier this year outlining the requirements for TSL's upcoming environmental impact assessment process. The company says the approvals will enable it to finalise its studies to address the terms of reference requirements, a critical final step before TSL obtains its mining licences. TSL says it is targeting a mid-year environmental impact assessment submission, which will position it to apply for the mining licence and unlock the project's potential to produce up to 150,000 tonnes of heavy minerals annually, with a pre-production capital expenditure of just $122M. The company is prioritising stakeholder engagement. Government departments and local community consultation were all factors in the project's retention. It says the project's rehab and sustainability initiatives are expected to create up to 600 direct in-country jobs and support a further 1200 jobs through community-owned agricultural projects, fostering long-term economic growth in the Mannar region. The Mannar Island project hosts a high-grade resource of 318Mt grading at 4.17 per cent total heavy minerals, including an 82Mt high-grade zone running at 6.03 per cent heavy minerals. With a low capital intensity and robust financial projections, the project is poised to become a globally significant ilmenite producer, contributing to Sri Lanka's economy and supporting the need for new titanium mineral supplies as global mineral sands projects deplete. TSL says it remains committed to a low-impact, environmentally responsible operation, with community engagement at its core. With the environmental impact assessment process underway and government backing strengthening, TSL looks poised to quickly lock in its mining licence application, which represents a pivotal milestone in its journey to join the global ranks of mineral sands producers. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
Trend of Bengaluru's pubs & bars serving minors continues as booze business struggles
Bengaluru: Even as the city's bar and pub economy contracts — with over 40 establishments shuttered last year amid rising operational costs — an oft-ignored trend has held steady: Underage drinking. Now that the move to double licence fees and other charges threatens to add to the overhead costs of establishments, the already lax enforcement of the legal drinking age is expected to only continue as every customer counts. While Karnataka's legal age for drinking is 21, underage drinking remains rampant with students as young as 16-18 — many using forged ID cards — finding ways into loosely regulated venues, slipping through cracks widened by inconsistent enforcement and commercial pressure. Back in Jan 2023, the previous govt had proposed reducing the legal drinking age to 18 to "tap more customers". But the draft notification was withdrawn following public pressure. During a week-long reality check across establishments in Koramangala, Church Street, and Indiranagar, observers witnessed minors bypassing age restrictions with minimal resistance. While several venues follow regulations, others either avoid checking identification or deliberately overlook the requirements in exchange for increased patronage. Bars near college areas were found serving visibly minor customers without requesting identification. Students aged 18-20 acknowledged consuming alcohol in both casual dining establishments and dedicated pubs. "It was easy. I just edited my Aadhaar card on my phone and changed the date of birth. The thrill of getting in without being caught was also part of the fun," said a 19-year-old from Yelahanka. A 20-year-old student from Hulimavu confirmed that some places don't even ask for ID cards. "... If they know their customer base is mostly college students, they just turn a blind eye. It's like a 'don't ask, don't tell' scene." However, experiences vary. A 19-year-old from Arekere said, "Resto-bars rarely care, but clubs usually have bouncers checking IDs seriously. We weren't allowed in." Family attitudes contribute to the normalisation of underage drinking. "My family hosted parties often and they would let me taste their drinks to satisfy my curiosity. That made drinking feel normal," said one 19-year-old. Nagarajappa T, joint commissioner of excise (IML), Bengaluru, places partial responsibility on parents: "Parents must guide their children. Until 21, most students are still financially dependent and not earning. There needs to be more parental involvement and social concern." No digital verification The department claims to have conducted over 40,000 inspections between July 2024 and March 2025 across Bengaluru's eight excise districts. However, the joint commissioner admitted they lack digital or biometric systems to verify age. Penalties for serving minors range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000, typically as part of compound cases involving multiple violations. The department hasn't suspended any licences solely for underage drinking offences. The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Bengaluru chapter, claims a "zero tolerance" policy on legal compliance. "We constantly remind our members through our groups and events that ID checks aren't optional. When there is a group of youngsters, age proof must be a standard practice," said Meghna Vakada, co-chapter head. Chethan Hegde, Bengaluru chapter head of NRAI, added: "It's irresponsible, even beyond the legal issue. The only reason I can think of is revenue, but that is short-sighted. One bad apple can rot the whole basket." While NRAI doesn't conduct independent audits, it advises members when informed of violations. "We issue a fair warning first, but if it continues, we aren't afraid to report the matter. Why risk your licence and business for a quick buck? It's just not worth it," Hegde said.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Liquor sales hit doldrums over hike in excise duty
Mangaluru: The steep hike in liquor excise duty, decline in fisheries activity-related jobs, curb on liquor flow to neighbouring state, and restrictions in the city and other parts of the district during nights resulted in the sale of Indian Made Liquor (IML) being stagnant for four years. According to available statistics, sales consistently remained at 27 lakh cases or boxes from the financial year 2021-22 to 2024-25, showing no significant growth. The substantial rise in excise duty is expected to cause a further decline in sales. The impact of Covid-19 was evident in 2020-21 when sales dropped to approximately 22 lakh cases due to the closure of liquor establishments. However, beer consumption showed a contrasting trend, with sales figures doubling since the pandemic period, reaching 24.3 lakh cases in 2024-25. As per the excise department statistics, IML sales were 22,81,967 in 2020-21, which increased to 27,07,466 cases in 2021-22. From here onwards, the sales remained stagnant with just a little improvement of boxes in thousands. In 2022-23, the sales of IML was 27,46,253, saw little improvement, and was 27,58,553, but it dropped to 27,21,033 in 2024-25. The primary factor is the reduction in fisheries and other blue-collar employment opportunities. Additionally, individuals travelling from foreign countries or different states are procuring their alcohol from alternative sources. The early closure requirements imposed on establishments serving alcohol in Mangaluru and neighbouring districts have adversely affected sales. According to TM Srinivas, deputy commissioner of the excise department in Dakshina Kannada, these combined elements have resulted in diminished IML sales. Another official from the excise department said that close to 30% of liquor sales from Dakshina Kannada were earlier due to the flow of liquor to neighbouring states. However, it has stopped as the prices in Kerala are lower than Karnataka. Officials from the excise department expect that the recent hike in the license fee for all types of liquor outlets will be detrimental to sales. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
India Today
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Jagan Mohan Reddy says Andhra liquor scam front to protect Chandrababu Naidu
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy launched a sharp attack on the Andhra Pradesh government, dismissing the liquor scam allegations against his government. He claimed the alleged liquor scam during his tenure was a deliberate political ploy by the TDP to divert attention from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's ongoing legal to the media at a press conference on Thursday, Jagan accused Naidu of orchestrating a campaign to harass officials and weaken the cases against the latter, particularly the liquor scam, for which Jagan said Naidu was currently out on bail. 'It is a fact that, in an attempt to weaken the cases against him, to implement a similar kind of operation in this term, Chandrababu Naidu has targeted YSRCP,' he highlighted that of the 20 distilleries in the state, 14 received licences during different periods under Naidu's tenure as Chief Minister, while the remaining six were granted by previous governments, none under YSRCP rule. 'YSRCP didn't even employ one of the 20 distilleries,' he said, questioning, 'Who is the real scamster? Isn't Chandrababu Naidu the real scamster?' Jagan further alleged that during Naidu's 2014-19 government, liquor sales were rampant, driven by permit rooms and belt shops, with sales constituting 3.84 per cent of the market, compared to 3.32 per cent under YSRCP. He also pointed to revenue per case of Indian Made Liquor (IML) and beer, which stood at Rs 2,623 in 2018-19 but rose to Rs 5,649 in 2023-24 under his administration, signalling more transparency and described the liquor market during the TDP's rule as controlled by a private mafia, dominated by five distilleries responsible for 69 per cent of liquor production and supply between 2015 and 2019. He asserted that the Competition Commission of India had cleared the YSRCP's liquor policy, confirming it did not violate competition laws or restrict market to new, unfamiliar liquor brands such as Sumo, Kerala Malt, Shot whisky, Bangalore whisky, Bangalore brandy, Old Club brandy, and Good Friends emerging under the current regime, Jagan questioned whether these were evidence of a private mafia thriving once also accused Naidu of rigging liquor tenders to favour a syndicate of five distilleries, increasing production capacity, and waiving privilege fees, resulting in a loss of Rs 5 crore to the state exchequer. 'His involvement is on paper, which makes the case strong,' he also criticised the current government's targeting of individuals like Dhanunjay Reddy, retired Revenue Divisional Officer Krishna Mohan, and businessman Balaji Govindappa, alleging these moves were politically motivated. 'Just because Govindappa is linked to Bharti Cements and Jagan, he has been targeted,' Jagan said, noting that Govindappa is a core-time director of Vicat, Europe's sixth-largest cement lamented the arrest of senior officials, including a Director General-level Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, describing it as unprecedented and vindictive. He accused the government of harassing low-level employees and unrelated persons to create an illusion of concluded by announcing June 4 would be observed as 'Betrayal Day' to expose the government's failures. 'There is an undeclared emergency going on in the state,' he said, promising to release detailed data on arrests, atrocities, and corruption Watch IN THIS STORY#Andhra Pradesh
