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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
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
British brews, desi cheers
There's refreshing news for guzzlers in the midst of an unsparing summer. Following the India-UK Free Trade Agreement , the import duty on British beer has been slashed by 75% – down from a steep 150%. Which means, your favourite chilled pint from the UK might soon be easier on the wallet. Coupled with the rise of gastro pubs and microbreweries, Indian drinkers (except those in Karnataka*) have never had it so good. 'Slow sip, long conversations' For many, beer and summer go hand in hand. But its popularity isn't seasonal. Beer ranks just behind hard liquor as India's most-consumed alcohol. 'Beer suits India's tropical climate – it's refreshing, low in alcohol, and lends itself to long chats or loud parties,' says Pankil Shah, co-owner of a Colaba resto-pub. 'It's casual, easy, and more 'sessionable' than spirits.' Debayan Datta, manager at a nationwide pub chain, agrees, 'Beer fits into every social scene – from house parties to cricket screenings.' The Karnataka conundrum: *In its fourth liquor price hike in under two years, the Karnataka government has increased the additional excise duty (AED) on beer from 195% to 200%, while cheaper Indian Made Liquor (IML) brands are expected to rise by ₹15–₹20 per 180 ml quart Cheers to Brit beers Premium UK labels like Boddingtons, Newcastle Brown Ale, Fuller's, Carling, and Cobra may become more accessible. 'These are maltier, low on hop bitterness and are great for those new to craft beer ,' Shah adds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 전체 임플란트 꼭 필요하신 분 이라면? after 문의하기 Undo 'We're seeing growing interest in styles like IPAs (Indian Pale Ales) and stouts (like Guinness).' But there needs to be more awareness, felt Gurpreet Singh, owner of an alcohol brand in Bengaluru. 'Consumers buy beers like Corona and Hoegaarden because of Hollywood, Budweiser does well because of its global name. For UK beers to do well, they have to be better known,' Singh said. Spoilt for choice Homegrown microbreweries remain a strong draw, especially for younger drinkers. 'Craft beer's low preservatives and competitive pricing keep it popular,' says Sk Samim, GM of a resto-pub chain in the East and Northeast. Between premium imported brands and a blooming homegrown industry of microbreweries, we may be now spoilt for choice as a beer-loving nation. The cut in import duty on UK beers will certainly widen the spectrum of choices for Indian consumers. This is also an opportunity for Indian craft and mainstream beers to get greater visibility in the UK, where there's increasing curiosity about world beers Urban audiences are increasingly curious. Beer festivals and microbreweries have nurtured that curiosity – Debayan Datta, pub-chain manager What's Trending Crisp lagers: great for hot weather Wheat beers: smooth with a fruity touch Flavoured brews: mango, chili, coffee Craft ales: bold, experimental sips UK beers just got cheaper by 75 %Inputs by: Ruman Ganguly and Devika V Menon Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Liquor prices set to rise at Karnataka army canteens
Canteen Stores Department Liquor at army canteens in Karnataka may soon become more expensive, with the state's Excise Department planning to increase the Additional Excise Duty (AED) on Indian Made Liquor (IML) and beer supplied to military move comes as part of the department's efforts to mobilize resources and meet its annual revenue targets. Officials said a formal proposal is being drafted to revise the AED rates, which currently remain nominal for liquor sold through military Karnataka, two army canteens operated by the(CSD) under the Ministry of Defence supply liquor and essential goods to serving and retired defence personnel and their families at highly subsidised rates. The discounts are largely due to excise duty exemptions, which allow prices to be 30–40% lower than in regular retail liquor to official data, in 2023–24, around 153.87 lakh litres of IML and 10.84 lakh litres of beer were sold through these canteens. These figures are expected to rise slightly in the current financial year. However, excise officials believe the current AED structure does not reflect the growing scale of present, the AED levied on liquor supplied to military canteens ranges from ₹1 to ₹3.70 per litre for IML and up to ₹2 per litre for beer. In comparison, liquor sold to the general public attracts AED ranging from ₹297 to ₹3,000 per litre for IML, based on the brand and alcohol strength, while beer is taxed at nearly 200% of its production argue that Karnataka lags behind other states in taxing liquor sold through military canteens. Neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Goa levy AEDs ranging from 20% to 70% of the rates applicable in the open market. Karnataka now plans to adopt a similar model while keeping the tax rates lower than those imposed on civilian Minister RB Thimmapur has instructed the department to study tax structures in neighbouring states and prepare a comprehensive proposal. The department is also examining the potential revenue gains from such a from generating revenue, the proposed hike aims to address concerns about misuse. Authorities have reported instances of subsidised liquor being diverted and illegally sold to civilians, particularly from General Forces (GENF) canteens. With such high volumes being sold, the department believes a hike in AED could help plug leakages in the the proposal may lead to a hike in liquor prices at army canteens, affecting affordability for defence personnel and their families, the state government maintains that the step is necessary to ensure fairness and prevent misuse of tax exemptions.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Hike in licence fee: Bengaluru wine merchants not to lift stock for two days from Tuesday
A draft proposal to increase the excise licence fee by the Karnataka government has riled wine merchants in Bengaluru. While liquor retailers in Bengaluru have decided not to lift stocks in protest for two days starting from Tuesday, retailers at the State level could also decide to join them to protest a steep hike by the weekend. The draft notification was issued on May 15 and will come into effect on July 1 when the licences will start coming in for renewal. The increase in the licence renewal fee has come after nine years, and is part of a larger increased mop-up in excise revenue. According to K.T. Lokesh of Bangalore Wine Merchants' Association, the licence fee had been very steep, which could lead to losses as business had also come down. 'Despite petitioning the government since the pre-Budget period, the government has decided to hike the price of liquor and licence fee as well.' Liquor rates too The hike comes close on the heels of the new upward rationalised rates for Indian Made Liquor and beer, which have become expensive since May 15. The new stocks with revised rates, however, are yet to come into effect, according to the retailers. Liquor rates have seen three revision in two years. In Bengaluru, the annual CL2 licence fee has gone up from ₹6.9 lakh, including the cess, to ₹13.8 lakh while the fee, including the cess, for CL4 has gone from ₹7.47 lakh to ₹14.95 lakh. Similarly, the fee for CL6A has gone up from ₹11.5 lakh to ₹23 lakh and the fee for CL has gone up from ₹9.77 lakh to ₹19.55 lakh. For CL9, the fee has gone up from ₹8.62 lakh to ₹17.25 lakh. Similarly, licence fee in other zones have been revised. The government has also doubled licence fee for distilleries and warehouses from ₹45 lakh to ₹90 lakh, and for breweries from ₹27 lakh to ₹54 lakh. 'The government earns on an average ₹120 crore a day from the liquor indenting. We want to protest the hike by not buying liquor,' a source said on their two-day protest. Yet to decide Meanwhile, Federation of Wine Merchants' Associations of Karnataka general secretary B. Govindaraj Hegde said that meetings were under way to decide on the future course of action. 'A decision could be made by May 22 on the future course of action.'
