Alappuzha: Keralam Excise Minister M Liju on Sunday said a report has been sought from the Excise Commissioner after a firm began selling horti wine, an alcoholic beverage with low alcohol content, through bakeries in the state.
Horti wine is an alcoholic beverage produced through the fermentation of tropical fruits and agricultural products.
The previous LDF government amended the Foreign Liquor Rules in 2024, permitting licensed bakeries and shopping centres to sell horti wine.
A firm based in Chalakudy had approached the Excise Commissioner a few months ago seeking permission to sell the beverage under the amended rules.
The commissioner granted permission after collecting the prescribed licence fee, officials said.
The firm recently began selling the product, bringing the matter to public attention.
Speaking to reporters, Liju said there might be no technical issue with the Excise Commissioner granting permission under the existing rules, but the matter should have been brought to the minister’s attention.
“The decision should have been taken only after informing the minister and others,” he said, adding that the government would examine the matter seriously.
The minister said the government had doubts about the social implications of making such products available through supermarkets and bakeries.
“Even if it was the previous government’s policy, how beneficial is it to society for it to be available in a supermarket or a bakery,” he asked.
Liju said a detailed report had been sought on all aspects of the matter and the government would examine the circumstances under which permission was granted.
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