No decision yet on low-alcohol beverages, says Liju

Defending the Budget proposal to reduce taxes on low-alcohol drinks, Excise Minister M. Liju said that the government has not taken any decision on introducing low-alcohol drinks in the state and the move announced in the Budget is only a financial decision regarding taxation.

He said the previous LDF government had amended the Abkari Act in 2023 to create a separate category for low-alcohol drinks with alcohol content ranging from 0.5% to 20% and brought another amendment in 2025.

“LDF leaders who brought these provisions are now criticizing this move. What is the logic behind this?” Mr. Liju told media persons here. he asked. The Minister said that no policy decision has been announced by the Excise Department and detailed discussions on the State’s liquor policy will be held after the Parliament session.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala also defended the move, saying new bars have not been allowed since the UDF took office and maintained that its policy was aimed at gradually reducing alcohol consumption and availability in the state. “Nobody should question our sincerity on this issue. We have a clear policy,” he told reporters in Kozhikode.

Meanwhile, Thamarassery Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil also criticized the government’s decision, saying it sent a wrong message to the society and urged the government to withdraw the proposal.