Jaipur, 4 November 2026: The Rajasthan Excise Department convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Jaipur on 4 November, chaired by senior officials of the Rajasthan Government, including Mr. Varun Mishra, Joint Secretary (Excise); Mr. Kumar Pal Gautam, Secretary – Finance & Revenue; Mr. Vaibhav Gupta, Principal Secretary – Finance; and Mr. Namit Mehta, Excise Commissioner, Rajasthan.
The interactive meeting witnessed participation from several industry associations and organisations representing the alcoholic beverages sector, including the All India Brewers’ Association (AIBA), All India Distillers Association (AIDA), ISWAI, CIABC, Rajasthan Breweries, Bottlers and Distillers Associations, Rajasthan Liquor Contractors and Retailers Associations, and Rajasthan Hotel & Bar Associations.
Extension of Retail Vend Timings: Common Industry Demand
One common demand emerged from all participating associations: extending the closing time of retail off-premise liquor vends from the existing 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Stakeholders highlighted the need to address this long-standing industry concern.
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Mr. Gopal Joshi, Secretary General, All India Brewers’ Association (AIBA), along with Mr. Prem Devan, representing the brewing sector, brought several long-pending policy issues to the attention of the Rajasthan Government.
These included the discriminatory vend fee imposed on beer, rebate adjustments on bottling fees, and permission for the import of draught beer from other states, among other industry-related concerns.
They also emphasised the importance of studying and adopting the successful Karnataka model of Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB), highlighting its potential to bring greater efficiency and progressive reforms to Rajasthan’s excise framework.
AIDA Highlights Ethanol Manufacturing Opportunities
Representing the All India Distillers Association (AIDA), Ms. Bharti Balaji apprised the government officials of the significant opportunities emerging in the ethanol manufacturing sector. She urged the state government to formulate a supportive and industry-friendly policy framework to encourage investment and promote ethanol production in Rajasthan.
Retailers Highlight Operational Challenges
Mr. Nilesh Mewara and Mr. Dhankad, representing Rajasthan’s retailers’ associations, highlighted the operational difficulties and challenges faced by liquor retailers. They particularly emphasised the need to extend retail shop closing hours beyond the existing 8:00 PM limit.
Government Assures Positive Consideration
The senior officials of the Rajasthan Government assured the participating stakeholders that their representations and suggestions would be considered positively. They also indicated that appropriate amendments and corrective measures could be examined in the existing Excise Policy framework, announced for the four-year period 2025–2029.
The meeting provided an important platform for constructive dialogue between the government and industry stakeholders, raising expectations of progressive policy reforms in Rajasthan’s alcoholic beverages sector.
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