The Daily PulseGeneral
Kerala Government Cancels Bakery Hortiwine Permit After Political Uproar
Reported by Faizan Khan (Staff Writer) · The Hindu - National ·
Reported by one source so far
The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala quickly distanced itself from an Excise Department order that permitted a bakery in Chalakudy, Thrissur, to stock and sell hortiwine ahead of the Christmas-New Year season. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan raised objections to the unconsulted directive, which allowed the shop to purchase cases of the 15% proof alcoholic drink from a state beverages warehouse.
Action and Reaction
Following the Chief Minister's intervention, Excise Minister M. Liju cancelled the bakery's licence and demanded a report from the Excise Commissioner. Mr. Liju stated that while the department acted according to existing rules, the move stepped over the government's policy-making powers. Meanwhile, former Excise Minister and CPI(M) leader M.B. Rajesh dismissed the cancellation as a political stunt, pointing out that the previous LDF administration had changed rules in 2024 to allow such sales but withheld actual licences due to social sensitivities.
Context
Hortiwine is brewed from agricultural produce like jackfruit, banana, pineapple, mango, and tender coconut to help farmers earn better prices. This controversy follows an earlier debate in June 2026 when the UDF government faced criticism from religious groups and prohibitionist activists over a budget proposal to sell low-proof alcopops.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
The Kerala Excise Department issued a permit for a bakery in Chalakudy to sell hortiwine, a fruit-based alcoholic drink, leading to swift political fallout and a quick government U-turn.
Why It Matters
Allowing alcohol sales in ordinary retail shops like bakeries touches deep social sensitivities in Kerala regarding public drinking, underage access, and prohibition. It also highlights internal friction within the administration over policy control and drew strong pushback from opposition parties, religious groups, and traditional workers' unions.
What Happens Next
The Excise Minister has called for a detailed report from the Excise Commissioner to examine how the permit was issued without proper consultation, and the government faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its overall liquor and retail policies.
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