Kerala directs cancellation of licences for selling Horti wine through bakeries

18 October 2026

The Kerala government directed the cancellation of licences issued for selling Horti wine through bakeries, and recommended disciplinary action against the official who issued the order. Horti wine is a fruit-based drink with alcohol content of up to 15 per cent. The sales rested on a January 2024 amendment to the Foreign Liquor Rules, which allowed fruit wine to be sold through hypermarkets, supermarkets, shopping malls and bakeries with a minimum floor area of 100 square metres. Drinking on the premises was prohibited. Retailers paid an annual licence fee of Rs 10,000 and received a 20 per cent commission on sales. Sales had begun at a bakery in Chalakudy. Four manufacturing units had been permitted to produce Horti wine. The Excise Minister directed officials to review the amendment.