Kerala Minister Defends Tax Cuts on Low-Alcohol Drinks, Says No Policy Shift

Excise Minister M. Liju on Wednesday defended the Budget proposal to reduce taxes on low-alcohol beverages, clarifying that the move is purely a financial decision and not a policy change. Addressing mediapersons, he stated that the government has not taken any decision to introduce such beverages in the State.

The Minister noted that it was the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government that amended the Abkari Act in 2023 to create a separate category for low-alcohol beverages with alcohol content between 0.5% and 20%, and further amended it in 2025. He questioned the criticism from LDF leaders who had earlier supported these provisions.

Mr. Liju emphasised that no policy decision has been announced by the Excise department, and detailed discussions on the State's liquor policy will take place after the Assembly session.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala also defended the move, asserting that no new bars have been permitted since the United Democratic Front (UDF) assumed office. He reiterated that the government's policy aims to gradually reduce alcohol consumption and availability. “No one should question our sincerity on this issue. We have a clear policy,” he told reporters in Kozhikode.

However, Thamarassery Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil criticised the proposal, saying it sends a wrong message to society and urged the government to withdraw it.