Alappuzha: Kerala Excise Minister M Liju stated on Sunday that a formal report has been requested from the Excise Commissioner following the initiation of horti wine sales through bakeries across the state. Horti wine is an alcoholic beverage produced through the fermentation of tropical fruits and various agricultural goods.
The previous Left Democratic Front administration had amended the state's Foreign Liquor Rules in 2024 to permit licensed bakeries and shopping centers to retail horti wine. Officials reported that a Chalakudy-based enterprise applied for and received sales permission from the Excise Commissioner a few months prior after paying the required licensing fees. The commercial distribution began recently, subsequently drawing public attention.
Addressing media personnel, Minister Liju acknowledged that the commissioner may not have encountered technical barriers under current regulations, but emphasized that the political leadership should have been briefed before greenlighting the sales. He noted that such significant decisions ought to be communicated to the minister's office and maintained that the administration is treating the situation with seriousness.
The minister further highlighted potential social concerns tied to expanding the availability of low-alcohol beverages into everyday retail environments like supermarkets and neighborhood bakeries. Questioning the overall societal benefit of placing such items in mainstream retail spaces, Liju confirmed that an exhaustive investigation is underway to evaluate all factors surrounding how the distribution permissions were issued.