Kerala Excise Minister M. Liju says no final decision on low-alcohol sales

By The Hindu

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Kerala Excise Minister M. Liju clarified that the State government has not taken a final decision on permitting the sale of low-alcohol beverages, despite the Budget proposing lower tax slabs for such products. Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, he said the proposed Abkari policy would be finalised only after consultations with all stakeholders and approval by the United Democratic Front (UDF). The Minister said applications for brand registration of low-alcohol beverages would not be approved until the new excise policy is notified. He also announced that the Kerala State Excise's Janajagrata Portal will be launched on July 1 to facilitate public complaints, counselling and de-addiction services. Mr. Liju reiterated that the government's long-term objective remains reducing alcohol consumption while strengthening rehabilitation, anti-drug enforcement and public awareness programmes. #Kerala #MLiju #KeralaExcise #LowAlcoholBeverages #AbkariPolicy #Thiruvananthapuram

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