Public comments invited on draft amendments to the Karnataka Excise (Brewery) Rules by 7th May, 2022

The Government of Karnataka has proposed the Draft Karnataka Excise (Brewery) (Amendment) Rules, 2022 (“Draft Rules”) in order to further amend the Karnataka Excise (Brewery) Rules, 1967 (“Principal Rules”).

Objections and suggestions are invited on the Draft Rules till 7th May, 2022. Such objections and suggestions, if any, may be addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Finance Department, Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru – 01.

Key Highlights:

• “Craft brewery” has been defined as a small brewery with an installed capacity of upto two (2) lakh litres per annum in a place having not less than 4000 sq. feet built-up area, wherein only bottled beer is manufactured, and includes every place therein, where bottled beer is stored or issued;

• To obtain a licence for a craft brewery, one is required to apply to the Excise Commissioner in Form 1-B through the Deputy Commissioner accompanied by a proof of payment of fees and description of premises or plan of the building etc.

Note: The above-mentioned documents will be checked either by the Deputy Commissioner or some other officer before being forwarded to the Excise Commissioner. The Excise Commissioner may at his discretion grant the licence to the applicant in Form 2-A.

• The fee for grant or renewal of a craft brewery licence shall be Rs. Five (5) lakhs in a year.

A copy of the Notification is linked below and attached herewith for ease of reference.

Source: Government of Karnataka