Delhi’s domestic liquor makers push for fair excise policy

Domestic premium liquor manufacturers in Delhi have sought a level-playing field under the new government, aiming to increase the availability of Indian single malt whiskies, wines and gins.

Industry experts state that the current excise policy favours imported brands due to high brand-licence fees for domestic manufacturers. Anant Iyer, the Director General of Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies claims it is impractical to introduce premium Indian brands in Delhi due to low sales volumes and high costs. The industry urges the government to equalise fees for domestic and imported brands, aligning with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat policies.

As reported, the current excise policy sets brand licence fees at ₹25 lakh per brand for Indian whiskies, ₹12 lakh per brand for rum, gin and vodka, ₹8 lakh for brandy, and ₹15 lakh for beer. In contrast, the licence fee for imported liquor is ₹15 lakh for five brands of whisky, rum, gin, vodka and brandy, with ₹50,000 per additional brand, while imported wine and liqueur brands will pay ₹7 lakh for 10 brands and ₹50,000 per additional brand.