T’puram: CM V D Satheesan defended govt’s proposal to reduce taxes on low-alcohol beverages, saying that promoting drinks with lower alcohol content could help curb alcohol addiction in society. Responding to criticism, he said making low-alcohol beverages more accessible would encourage consumers to move away from stronger liquor.Satheesan said LDF govt had amended rules to create separate categories of alcoholic beverages, each with its own tax structure and the present govt had merely fixed tax rates.He pointed out that LDF govt had constituted a committee in 2021 to study the sale of low-alcohol beverages and rejected allegations that the proposal was introduced through the Finance Bill without public notice. “This was announced in the budget. Was Pinarayi Vijayan, who served as CM for 10 years, unaware that budget proposals are incorporated into the Finance Bill?” he asked.He also pointed out that Kerala levies the highest tax on low-alcohol beverages in India and said Bevco has a monopoly over liquor sales in state. “If UDF decides that low-alcohol beverages should not be sold as part of the liquor policy, Bevco will not procure them. If Bevco does not purchase them, they cannot be sold,” he said.He added that the passage of Finance Bill does not automatically permit the sale of low-alcohol beverages. Any decision to introduce such products would have to be taken by excise department, while procurement and sales would be decided by Bevco.He accused critics of exaggerating a minor issue to undermine the budget. “This govt will not yield to such attempts. We have a clear plan and vision. Tax reduction is not intended for immediate implementation,” he said.
