Kerala introduces draft guidelines for alcobev sale

The Kerala government has introduced draft guidelines for the sale of  alcobev products in restaurants located in tourist destinations across the state.

Under the new guidelines, restaurants located in tourist spots in Kerala can apply for a three-month license to serve beer and wine along with a licence fee of Rs 1 lakh.  Additionally, three-star hotels and resorts in tourist destinations in the state are also permitted to serve fresh toddy tapped from their premises.

Only coconut trees within the premises, registered with the excise department of Kerala can be tapped for toddy, and these trees will be subject to taxation, according to a report.  

The draft guidelines also include provisions for the production of wine from local fruits. However, there are no requirements for these wines to be sold exclusively through the state’s beverages corporation