With the latest rules issued by the excise department in Jaipur, boozeheads in the city have something to rejoice over. In an attempt to boost the retail of light alcoholic beverages, the department has now allowed microbreweries to function within the campuses of hotels and clubs. This shall not only accelerate the production and sale of alcohol reaping profits for the state, in terms of increased revenues, but also delight all individuals with a penchant for freshly brewed beer.
Microbreweries with an installed capacity of fewer than 1,000 liters per day
Reportedly, these new rules were entailed in a notification of Rajasthan Brewery (Amendments) Rules, 2021 issued by the excise commissioner Joga Ram. Through its provisions, any individuals having a hotel bar/club bar licensed under Rajasthan Excise Rules, 1973 or a restaurant bar license under Rajasthan Excise rules, 2004 can apply for a microbrewery. As per this notification, the brewery established on the premises of a hotel or a club will have an installed capacity of not more than 1,000 liters per day.
The order read, “The licensee shall be allowed to manufacture Draught Beer within the premises of Hotel, Club or Restaurant, as the case may be and to serve the same to their customers/members for consumption within the premises.” It is notable here that the setting up of this facility will be subject to certain terms and conditions.
Quality of raw materials and the final produce to be tested by a chemist
The owners will have to get the quality of raw materials and prepared liquor tested by a chemist with a degree in science having chemistry as one of the subjects, preferably organic-chemistry or biochemistry or specialisation in alcohol technology. Only after the chemist approves the product for daily consumption, will it be released for sale.
Further, the beer samples will have to be sent to the chemist every week for assessing their quality. Additionally, the district excise officer and concerned authorities will inspect the place on a monthly basis to ensure hygienic practices.
A move beneficial towards generating employment and boosting tourism
The alcohol content of draught beer produced and served to the customers in the microbrewery shall not exceed 8% V/V. Besides, this, the owners will have to ensure that the products are not served to underage people.
While the installation of microbreweries shall be conducive in the expansion of tthe alcohol industry, it will also be beneficial to creating newer avenues of employment and boosting tourism. Thereby, a multitude of benefits are expected from this new scheme.
