GUWAHATI: The Assam government has amended the Assam Excise Rules, 2016, introducing revised definitions and regulations for heritage alcoholic beverages and small-scale heritage alcoholic beverage manufactories in the state.
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The amendments have been notified by the Governor of Assam in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 84 of the Assam Excise Act, 2000.
Under the revised rules, “heritage alcoholic beverages” are defined as alcoholic drinks traditionally produced by indigenous communities in Assam using customary methods and time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. The beverages must contain an alcohol content ranging from more than 2.8% to not more than 22.8% by volume, with a minimum strength of 5% alcohol by volume.
The amended rules also redefine a “small-scale heritage alcoholic beverages manufactory” as a facility where such beverages are manufactured and served to customers for on-premises consumption or sold in kegs of at least 10 litres against a transport permit to other IMFL beer “ON” shops, temporary bars, and club “ON” licence holders.
However, the rules specify that sales cannot be made to “OFF” shop licence holders unless arrangements are in place to chill the heritage alcoholic beverages before they are served to consumers.
Additionally, the notification limits the installed production capacity of such small-scale manufactories to not more than 1,000 litres per day.
The amendments are aimed at providing a clearer regulatory framework for the production, sale, and promotion of traditional indigenous alcoholic beverages while preserving Assam’s cultural and brewing heritage.
In another key amendment, Rule 619 expanded to include entities whose members belong to tribal or indigenous communities that traditionally produce and consume heritage alcoholic beverages.
The government also significantly reduced licence and registration fees under Rule 620. Fees earlier fixed at ₹25,000, ₹15,000, ₹10,000 and ₹5,000 were reduced to ₹15,000, ₹7,000, ₹5,000 and ₹500 respectively.
Similarly, annual fees under Rule 624 were lowered. The ₹25,000 per annum fee was reduced to ₹15,000, while fees of ₹15,000, ₹10,000 and ₹5,000 were revised to ₹7,000, ₹5,000 and ₹500 per annum respectively.
Further, under Rule 637, renewal-related provisions were amended, reducing the prescribed amount from ₹5,000 to ₹1,000 in specified cases.
Officials said the amendments intend to provide greater recognition to Assam’s traditional brewing practices, encourage participation by indigenous communities, and create a more enabling regulatory environment for the production and sale of heritage alcoholic beverages in the state.
