Haryana’s excise policy allows Corporate houses to serve liquor to employees

Haryana (14/05/2023): As a one of a kind and a first ever decision in India, large offices in Haryana will now be allowed to serve beer, wine, and ready-to-drink low-content alcoholic beverages on their premises beginning next month. The move is being described as “transformational” by those in the alcohol business.

Haryana’s cabinet adopted the state’s liquor excise policy for 2023-24, which allows corporate offices in the state with at least 5,000 employees and a minimum covered area of 100,000 square feet in a single location to possess and drink alcohol.

According to the policy, the minimum area of a canteen or eatery where permits will be provided is 2,000 square feet, and they will be awarded for a fixed cost of Rs 10 lakh per year.

The policy, which takes effect on June 12, will also lower excise duties on mild beer, wine and draught beer, as well as the annual charge for bar licences in restaurants, pubs and cafés.

According to executives at alcobev businesses, the state’s decision will alter spirits consumption in Gurgaon, which is home to some of India’s largest corporate offices.

Rahul Singh, founder of beer and pub chain Beer Cafe said, “We will be working with large corporates to set up infrastructure and operate these licences.” He further stated that the clear instructions on number of employees and the area of office will ensure that the license is not misused by people.

Anasuya Ray, vice president of corporate affairs of AB InBev India, the Indian branch of the world’s largest brewer that produces Budweiser beer, applauded the move to tax low-alcohol products such as beer lower than hard spirits.

While the policy is for the state of Haryana, executives believe it would have the most impact on Gurgaon, which has a huge cluster of multinational and local enterprises in areas such as technology and IT services, automobiles, consumer products, and consulting firms.

According to an official at a prominent Gurgaon-based computer firm, the strategy would be especially beneficial for workplaces where staff work shifts and late hours.