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Alcohol legislation in India varies by region. In the states of Bihar, Gujarat, Nagaland, Lakshadweep and some regions of Manipur, the use of alcohol is completely prohibited, in the rest there is a minimum age limit, sometimes reaching 25 years.
The first mentions of alcoholic beverages are found in ancient Vedic texts of the XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries. BC. They talk about two types of alcohol: soma (a drink of the gods and brahmins, the exact composition is unknown) and sura (braga based on rice and sugar cane, popular among kshatriyas). Vedic medicine – Ayurveda – also advocates the use of alcohol for medicinal purposes.
In the Middle Ages, low-alcohol drinks such as beer were common in India. The ruling caste favored wine. During the British occupation, home-made liquor gradually gave way to the production of large wineries, and by the end of British rule, the problem of alcoholism had already arisen on a national scale. This led to the introduction of Prohibition in some states and the massive cutting down of vineyards.
The other side of the problem is the abundance of “local” types of alcohol produced in each tribe. Such drinks are not licensed in any way and are often of very poor quality. Fatal poisoning cases are not uncommon, but the popularity of artisanal liquor in India does not fall, as its consumption is part of the local tradition, in addition, this alcohol is very cheap.
Law
Age limits and nuances of buying and selling vary by state. In general, alcohol in India can be freely bought in special shops, restaurants, hotels, bars, disco clubs. In the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the sale of alcohol is a state monopoly; in other parts of the country, alcoholic beverages can be sold in grocery stores, supermarkets, even on farms. In popular tourist places, the sale of alcohol on beaches and pleasure yachts is allowed.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited, but you can get behind the wheel if the proportion of alcohol in the blood does not exceed 0.03% (this is approximately one mug of weak beer).
Most states have introduced so-called “dry days” when the sale of alcohol is completely prohibited – most often they are arranged during public holidays, such as Independence Day (August 15), Republic Day (January 26), Gandhi’s Birthday (October 2), on election days, etc.
In West Bengal, “dry days” do not apply to five-star hotels, clubs and resorts, in addition, during these periods it is not forbidden to drink alcohol at home.
In Gujarat, the strictest state with the death penalty for the manufacture and distribution of liquor, tourists and temporary residents without a residence permit can obtain a license to purchase alcohol. It can be ordered online or at the airport, but in any case, the issued document must then be certified by an official institution. The license allows you to buy one and a half liters of alcohol every 10 days, given that the permit is issued for a month, a tourist will be able to buy 4.5 liters.
Customs rules for the import and export of alcohol
In India, you can import 2 liters of alcohol per person of any strength or an unlimited amount of Nepalese beer. As for export, there are no instructions from the Indian customs, you need to focus on the rules of the country of destination.
Alcohol in Goa
Goa is the last stronghold of the “alcohol freemen”, the “hippie state”, the place most popular among tourists, migrants and expats. Alcohol in Goa is still produced in unlimited quantities, it can be freely bought at any time and in any store.
The lowest excises are set here, so many large alcohol companies prefer to place their production in Goa.
Also, this state is famous for the autochthonous drink feni – this is a distillate (moonshine) from cashew fruits (not nuts!) Or fermented palm sap.
What do the locals drink?
It seems surprising, but the most popular alcoholic drink in India is whiskey. Hindus drink more than XNUMX billion liters of grain distillate a year, three times more than in the US, not to mention other smaller countries. To a large extent, the tradition of drinking whiskey is due to British influence, the most popular brands are Amrut and Officer’s Choice.
IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Alcohol, “foreign alcohol produced in India”) confidently takes first place in the table of consumption. In addition to whiskey, this category includes rum, vodka and wine. In rural areas, the poorest segments of the population drink various homemade brews made from fruit juices. In addition, everyone without exception drinks beer, for example, Kingfisher is the most affordable brand of alcohol in India.