The state government has given the green light for microbreweries, allowing fresh craft beer in different flavours. An annual license fee of ₹10 lakh has been fixed.

Good news for beer lovers in Chhattisgarh. The state government has approved the opening of microbreweries, paving the way for fresh craft beer in different flavours to be served across the state. The excise department will now issue licenses under the new policy.

Officials said the move will provide consumers with a new choice while boosting the hotel and restaurant business. The government also expects additional revenue through license fees and excise duty.

States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab and Goa already have microbreweries. Bengaluru is considered the country's 'craft beer capital'. Chhattisgarh is now set to join this list.

License Fee and Space Requirements

The government has fixed an annual license fee of ₹10 lakh for microbrewery operators. Earlier, the proposed fee was ₹25 lakh, which has now been reduced.

The premises — including the brewery and the associated restaurant — must have a minimum area of 4,000 square feet. Additionally, buildings must comply with fire safety standards, machinery security norms and other mandatory requirements.

A microbrewery will be permitted to produce a maximum of 1,000 bulk litres of craft beer per day. This translates to an annual production limit of 3.65 lakh bulk litres.

Operators will also have to deposit 25% of the license fee as security amount in advance.

What is Craft Beer?

Unlike mass-produced factory beer, craft beer is prepared in small batches, allowing greater attention to taste, quality and freshness. It uses better quality malt, hops and other natural ingredients.

This results in a distinct taste compared to regular bottled beer. Craft beer comes in different flavours — wheat, mango, apple or even chocolate — and is served fresh directly from the plant, without chemicals or preservatives.

Microbreweries are often set up inside large restaurants or pubs — known as brewpubs — with a glass wall setup where customers can watch the beer being brewed.

Price and Excise Duty

The government has fixed an excise duty of ₹60 per bulk litre on craft beer produced at microbreweries. A glass of craft beer is expected to cost between ₹250 and ₹300.

Officials said the move will attract new investment, create employment opportunities and generate additional revenue for the state through license fees and excise duty.

Monitoring and Compliance

The government has increased oversight on microbrewery operations. Production, sales and tax payments will be closely monitored. While starting a business may have become easier, compliance with regulations will be stricter than before.

The Other Side: Women Protest Liquor Shop

In a related development, women in Sarguja's Darima have launched an agitation against an English liquor shop opened in the area. The women said the shop is destroying households and demanded its closure.

They have submitted a memorandum to the Sarguja collector, giving a three-day ultimatum to remove the shop. The women said they do not want the 'Mahatari Vandana' scheme's money if it comes from liquor revenue.

The protest highlights the ongoing tension between revenue generation from liquor sales and social concerns raised by women's groups across the state.