Shillong, Sep 15: The Brewers Association of India (BAI) has praised the Meghalaya government’s decision to slash taxes on beer.
The state cabinet took a decision to do so last week, which has proven slightly controversial in certain circles as the move is designed to increase sales when Meghalaya already has very high rates of alcohol consumption.
The BAI, however, was of the opinion that cutting taxes on beer and wine is actually a positive health move.
BAI director general Vinod Giri was quoted as saying that this is a “nudge … towards moderate and more responsible consumption of alcohol” as it promotes beer and wine, which have lower levels of alcohol than hard drinks.
“After Maharashtra’s recent tax reforms to improve relative affordability of beer and wine compared to hard spirits, we are pleased to now see Meghalaya take the lead in the East by reducing taxes on beer by 20 percent and bringing manufacturing reforms in the sector,” Giri stated. “It is good to see more states acknowledge the social and economic impact of beer on the local community and tap this opportunity through due policy reforms.”
