Alappuzha: The United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Keralam is expected to announce a new state liquor policy by mid-November or the end of November 2026, Excise Minister M. Liju has said. The proposed policy will replace the framework introduced by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, with the Excise Department nearing completion of stakeholder consultations and consolidating recommendations for consideration by the government.
In a video statement released by the Excise Minister’s office, Liju said discussions on the new liquor policy had been conducted over four to five days. Consultations included anti-alcohol committees, anti-drug organisations, liquor industry workers’ unions and representatives from different sections of society. The government is reviewing the suggestions received before holding further discussions within the administration and the UDF leadership. The final policy is expected to be announced after this consultation process is completed.
The proposed policy has attracted attention following the Excise Department’s intervention in a case involving a bakery in Chalakudy that planned to sell horti wine. Horti wine is an alcoholic beverage produced through the fermentation of tropical fruits and other agricultural produce, offering a potential market for value-added agricultural products.
The previous LDF government amended the Foreign Liquor Rules in 2024 to permit licensed bakeries and shopping centres to sell horti wine. Following the amendment, a firm based in Chalakudy approached the Excise Commissioner for permission to sell the beverage. Officials said the licence was granted in June 2026 after the prescribed fee was collected.
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The department also transferred Abkari Deputy Commissioner C. K. Anilkumar, who had handled the licence application. Meanwhile, the Excise Commissioner submitted a report to the minister concerning the permission granted to the bakery.
The upcoming liquor policy is expected to provide direction on the state’s excise administration and the regulation of alcoholic beverages. Its provisions could have implications for liquor retailers, beverage manufacturers, hospitality businesses and producers exploring alternative alcoholic beverages such as horti wine. The final impact will become clearer once the UDF government formally announces the policy.
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