NEWS
INDIAN LIQUOR PRODUCERS LOBBIED SUPREME COURT TO KEEP TETRA PACKS
By Staff Reporter
24-6-2026
Credit: Rajat Bhandari/Twitter
Major Indian liquor manufacturers and industry bodies have launched lobbying efforts to soften a potential nationwide ban on juice-style tetra packs and sachets, as the Supreme Court weighs a public interest petition targeting deceptive liquor packaging.
The apex court issued formal notices to the federal government, state excise departments and leading distilleries last month after an anti-drink-driving NGO argued that cartons printed with mango and apple fruit imagery misled consumers and made alcohol easily accessible to minors.
The judicial bench repeatedly described the fruit-juice-style packaging as highly deceptive during hearings.
Industry representatives have since submitted written representations arguing against an outright ban.
The All India Distillers Association said tetra packs and small sachets form the backbone of affordable mass-market liquor sales across rural and semi-urban India.
Manufacturers including Globus Spirits and Wave Distilleries warned that a blanket prohibition would disrupt supply chains, slash sales volumes and erode state excise tax revenue across dozens of states.
Instead of a total ban, liquor producers are calling for revised, moderate regulations. Their proposal includes mandatory large printed health warnings, clear labelling stating alcoholic content, and design tweaks to distinguish liquor cartons from fruit juice containers, rather than eliminating tetra pack formats entirely.
Industry advocates added that low-cost lightweight packaging cuts production and logistics costs, keeping affordable spirits available for price-sensitive consumers.
Public health campaigners from Community Against Drunken Driving have countered that cosmetic label changes will not stop underage buyers from concealing juice-box-style alcohol.
The group insisted only a full ban can prevent teenagers from smuggling liquor into schools and public spaces.
State excise boards remain divided. Some regional authorities lean toward stricter packaging curbs to comply with public health rulings, while others are hesitant to restrict low-priced liquor products that generate steady tax income.
The Supreme Court has set the next hearing for 10 August, giving both industry groups and public health petitioners time to file detailed responses.
The final ruling will set uniform national packaging standards for alcoholic drinks, ending inconsistent local excise rules that long allowed unregulated tetra pack liquor sales across India.
(the writer can be contacted at: info@thewinechronicle.com)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
**IF YOU THINK THE WINE CHRONICLE IS WORTH SUPPORTING, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO HELP US IMPROVE AND CONTINUE OUR WORK**
TRENDING│ FOCUS│ MISSION│ ABOUT US│ CONTACT
| 