India should drop its high foreign liquor taxes, says France's Pernod

The 150% tax on imported liquor has long been a sore point for the industry, and poses a "large challenge" for Pernod Ricard, South Asia CEO Thibault Cuny said

French spirits giant Pernod Ricard urged India on Thursday to drop its high tax on imported liquor, saying the tariff puts many of its drinks out of reach of consumers.

The 150% tax on imported liquor has long been a sore point for the industry, and poses a "large challenge" for Pernod Ricard, South Asia CEO Thibault Cuny told Reuters in an interview.

"We are in favour of free trade ... 150% in India is far beyond many other markets. It creates unaffordability of certain type of products," Cuny said at Pernod's office on the outskirts of New Delhi.

Asked if the duty