MUMBAI: The International Spirits & Wines Association of India (ISWAI), representing the premium AlcoBev sector, is advocating for uniform alcohol guidelines in India through a comprehensive regulatory framework. This initiative aims to dispel myths about alcohol consumption and promote responsible drinking practices. ISWAI underscores that alcohol has the same effect on the body regardless of its form, addressing stakeholders to adopt this perspective.
Although ISWAI has denied any direct link, their advocacy is believed to be influenced by a recent tragic accident in Pune, where a minor driving a Porsche caused the death of two software engineers.
A common misconception among consumers is that distilled spirits are inherently ‘stronger’ and more intoxicating than beer or wine. However, ISWAI clarifies that the alcohol in all beverages has the same effect on the body. “There is no drink of moderation, only a practice of moderation,” the ISWAI release states, addressing the liquor and hospitality industry, patrons, and excise administrations.
ISWAI’s communique explains that the belief that beer, Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages, or wine have less alcohol than distilled spirits is due to their lower alcohol by volume (ABV). Despite this, standard serving sizes of these beverages contain the same amount of alcohol. For instance, a 99ml glass of wine at 13% ABV, a 30ml measure of spirits at 42.8% ABV, and a 257ml glass of beer at 5% ABV all contain approximately 10 grams of alcohol, the typical standard serving size.
Nita Kapoor, CEO of ISWAI, emphasizes, “The alcohol in all drinks containing alcohol is the same and has the same effect on the body. Misunderstanding this can lead to harmful consumption patterns, especially if consumers underestimate the effects of drinking beer or wine. Some state governments exacerbate this issue through policies that favor beer or wine over distilled spirits.”
Kapoor also points out that over 30 countries have moderate or low-risk drinking guidelines that do not distinguish between types of alcohol but instead focus on standard serving sizes.
Highlighting the inconsistency in drinking permissions, ISWAI notes that Haryana’s excise policy for 2023-24 allows corporate offices with at least 5,000 staff and 100,000 sq. ft of space to consume low-alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, or spirits on premises. Conversely, Uttar Pradesh’s 2024-25 excise policy cites law and order concerns due to beer consumption.
ISWAI advocates for evidence-based policies that prioritize public well-being and encourage responsible choices by understanding the effects of different alcoholic beverages. Equalizing pure alcohol content, the intoxicating effect of 257 ml of beer or RTD beverages (5% ABV) is equivalent to 99 ml of wine (13% ABV) and 30 ml of whisky (42.8% ABV), highlighting the need for moderation in consumption.
