New wine policy in Karnataka

Karnataka has decided to remove the 'liquor' tag attached to wine to promote the growing wine industry in the state.

The state Cabinet on Thursday approved the draft version of the wine policy. Once the policy comes into force, wine can be sold in restaurants, hotels, grocery and retail stores without a liquor licence.

"The policy has been modelled on the lines of the existing policy in Maharashtra. We intend to liberalise the wine industry in the state to promote its growth. Entrepreneurs and farmers willing to shift to wine making will benefit in the process," Karnataka medical education minister V A Acharya told reporters after the meeting.

The draft policy will be referred to experts before evolving the final guidelines.

"We expect the final version of the policy to be ready in a few weeks," the minister added.