Kerala govt halts horti wine sales in bakeries and orders probe

Kerala Excise Minister M. Liju has revoked a licence permitting a Chalakudy bakery to stock and sell hortiwine, ordering an immediate inquiry into how the approval was granted without executive oversight.

The action follows red flags raised by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan over the Excise Department's order, which enabled the Thrissur-based establishment to procure cases of the beverage from a Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) warehouse ahead of the Christmas-New Year season. The government moved swiftly to halt the sales, citing the imperative to safeguard community well-being, prevent unregulated underage drinking, and maintain strict administrative discipline.

Why the licence was revoked

Hortiwine is a 15% proof alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting local agricultural produce and tropical fruits such as jackfruit, banana, pineapple, mango, and tender coconut. While the Excise Commissioner granted the permit under existing departmental provisions after receiving the required licence fee, the administration stressed that permissions impacting public policy require executive concurrence.

Speaking to reporters in Alappuzha, M. Liju stated that while there may not have been technical impediments under the written rules, the matter should have been brought directly to ministerial attention before any permit was issued.

"The decision should have been taken only after informing the minister and others," Liju said, confirming that a comprehensive report has been requested from the Excise Commissioner to examine the approval process in full detail.

The minister also raised broader concerns over allowing alcoholic products to be sold in everyday retail environments like supermarkets and neighbourhood bakeries, questioning the societal impact of off-the-shelf access.

Policy background and government stance

The legal framework surrounding hortiwine dates back to 2022, when the Kerala Small Scale Winery Rules were introduced to assist local fruit growers in securing fair prices for their produce through value addition. In January 2024, the Foreign Liquor Rules were amended to allow licensed bakeries, supermarkets, and commercial malls to display and sell the drink for an annual fee.

Former Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh confirmed that although the 2024 amendment was passed under the previous government, no standalone retail licences were issued at the time due to social sensitivities.

By taking prompt steps to cancel the Chalakudy licence and initiate a full administrative review, the state leadership has demonstrated firm governance, ensuring that public health, youth protection, and social responsibility take absolute priority over departmental routine.