CIABC accuses Uttarakhand Government of bias against Indian liquor in excise policy
CIABC criticises Uttarakhand’s excise policy, alleging it favours imported liquor brands and restricts market access for Indian-made alcoholic beverages in premium retail outlets.
INDIA – Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has raised concerns over Uttarakhand’s excise policy, alleging that it discriminates against domestic liquor manufacturers while favouring imported brands.
In a statement, the industry body said the state’s decision to restrict premium retail outlets in malls and departmental stores exclusively to imported liquor undermines national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
According to CIABC, the policy creates an uneven playing field by granting a virtual monopoly to importers and limiting consumer access to Indian-made premium alcoholic beverages.
Anant S Iyer, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies, said the organisation has made multiple representations to the state government seeking a more inclusive approach.
“Denying popular and globally-awarded Indian wines and spirituous beverages access to mall and departmental stores simply because they are not produced in Uttarakhand is grossly unfair,” Iyer said.
He added that production constraints make it difficult for many Indian brands to manufacture within the state, noting that key raw materials such as grapes are primarily sourced from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
“Many brands produced in India are popular worldwide. Why should local residents and tourists be denied these Indian offerings? It goes against the ethos of encouraging Swadeshi goods,” he said.
The CIABC also pointed to practices in national institutions, stating that the Canteen Stores Department serving the armed forces has discontinued the sale of imported liquor to promote Indian-made products.
According to the industry body, Uttarakhand’s policy contradicts broader national efforts aimed at strengthening self-reliance and supporting domestic industries.
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies has called on the state government to revise the excise framework and adopt a more balanced approach that supports Indian-made products.
“The domestic Indian alcoholic beverage industry urges the Government of Uttarakhand to support Indian-made products, including Indian-Made Foreign Liquor and wines,” the statement said.
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