Simply put, in India, selling homemade wines, meads, beers, ciders, or any other alcoholic beverage is strictly not allowed without obtaining the necessary state government permits and licenses.
Winemaking and home-brewing are absolutely thrilling hobbies that can bring immense joy and satisfaction! These activities have the power to ignite your creativity and take your imagination to extraordinary levels! Although not yet widely embraced in India, they are swiftly gaining popularity, particularly among the vibrant younger generation who are eager for healthier and tastier drink choices. Have you ever dreamt of creating your very own signature wines or beers at home? If so, let's dive into the world of the legal aspects related to producing, enjoying, and sharing homemade beverages so you can brew safely!
Is Selling Homemade Wines or Home-brewed Beers Legal In India?
If you are thinking of getting started with your winemaking or home-brewing journey, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
The commercial sale of any alcoholic wine or beer is prohibited unless the necessary taxes and permits have been obtained. Whatever you make is just for personal consumption. Do not sell your wines or beers and make money off them. You may be tempted to sell them. Don't do it!
Make enough for yourself and your buddies to enjoy and have a good time.
There's a limit on how much you can brew - anything over 50 litres is a no-go for personal use, and some states have specific limits. Read on below to learn more.
Make sure you handle your booze carefully to avoid any accidental toxic brews during production or storage.
Distillation of alcohol is banned in India without the necessary licenses as it is a dangerous process. So forget about making Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Rum, or other hard liquors at home!
Alcohol Dry States in India
Dry states and districts do not permit alcohol production. It is not allowed to ferment homemade wine or brew beer at home in these places.
Bihar
Gujarat
Lakshadweep
Manipur
Nagaland
So if you belong to any of these states, you cannot make wines or brew beers at home.
Home-winemaking and Home-brewing Laws in Other States
After a bunch of research, we put together a table showing the rules for making wine and beer at home in different states. Just a heads up, we haven't covered all the Indian states yet, but we'll keep the table updated with the latest info as we get it.
State | Law | Can I Make Wine or Beer at Home? |
Karnataka | Individuals are allowed to manufacture and consume home-made wines for personal use without obtaining a license. | Yes |
Maharashtra | No state law against home winemaking and home brewing. | Yes |
Delhi | No state law against home winemaking and home brewing. | Yes |
West Bengal | No state law against home winemaking and home brewing. | Yes |
Goa | No state law against home winemaking and home brewing. | Yes |
Tamil Nadu | Individuals can make wines at home after getting a food and beverages licence from the government. | Need Licence |
Kerala | As per the Kerala Abkari Act, brewing wine having alcohol content at home is an offence under Section 58, while selling it is punishable under Section 55 (i). | No |
Gujarat | Alcohol Dry State | No |
Bihar | Alcohol Dry State | No |
Lakshadweep | Alcohol Dry State | No |
Manipur | Alcohol Dry State | No |
Nagaland | Alcohol Dry State | No |
We hope you've got the hang of the rules for brewing wine and beer at home in India by now.
Brew safely, drink responsibly and stay safe!
References
https://corpbiz.io/learning/is-legal-to-sell-homemade-wine-in-india
https://zeezest.com/food/read-all-about-india-s-winemaking-tradition-zee-zest-236
https://pravnaistina.com/legal-provisions-for-manufacturing-and-sale-of-homemade-wines
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/11384/1/the_goa_excise_duty_act%2C_1964.pdf
https://wbja.nic.in/wbja_adm/files/The%20Bengal%20Excise%20Act,%201909.pdf
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/13622/1/delhi_excise_act.pdf
https://keralaexcise.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Abkari_BareAct.pdf
Precise and concise information.