Beer Capital Blues: Karnataka Reports 19.55% Drop in Sales — Minister Admits Slump Despite Bengaluru’s Booming Pub Culture
Belagavi/Bengaluru: In a revealing statement that surprised many given Bengaluru’s reputation as India’s craft-beer hub, Karnataka Excise Minister R. B. Thimmapur told the Legislative Council that the state recorded a 19.55% decline in beer sales during the current financial year.
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Up to September 2025, the state sold 195.27 lakh cases, which is 47.46 lakh cases fewer than the same period last year — a sharp slide for a state long known as a pub and brewery powerhouse.
Bengaluru: India’s “Beer Capital” Faces an Unusual Dip
Bengaluru, with over 70 microbreweries, a vibrant nightlife and a thriving young workforce, has traditionally driven the state’s beer demand. Industry circles often refer to the city as “India’s Beer Capital”, with craft brews, taprooms and weekend pub crawls forming part of its urban identity.
Given this backdrop, the drop in sales has drawn interest.
Thimmapur explained that the decline is linked to heavy rainfall and extended cool weather, conditions known to depress beer consumption across the state — even in Bengaluru’s otherwise robust brewing ecosystem.
Excise Funds Cannot Be Reserved for Liver Disease Treatment
Responding to Rule 330 raised by Chief Whip N. Ravikumar and member K.S. Naveen, who sought 20% of excise revenue to be specifically allocated for treating liver cirrhosis and alcohol-related illnesses, the Minister clarified that:
“All excise revenue is deposited in the Consolidated Fund and can only be spent through budget-approved schemes. It cannot be earmarked for a single medical purpose.”
Government Lists Ongoing Health Measures
Thimmapur noted that multiple schemes — including PM-JAY, the National Health Mission (NHM), and state-supported medical institutions — already provide treatment for digestive and liver disorders, including alcohol-induced illnesses.
Budget allocations are made through the Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education departments.
Opposition Flags Adulterated Liquor & Demand for Specialists
Opposition members including Ravikumar, K.S. Naveen, C.T. Ravi, Shivakumar, B.K. Hariprasad, Ramesh Babu, Bharathi Shetty and Hemalatha Nayak, expressed concern over:
- Adulterated liquor allegedly entering the market
- The government “quietly permitting” more liquor shops
- The urgent need for a gastroenterologist in every district, given the rise in digestive and liver ailments linked to alcohol
Government Response: “We Don’t Promote Liquor”
Leader of the House and Minister Boseraju countered that the government is not encouraging alcohol consumption.
“We actively run awareness programs on the harmful effects of drinking. Ultimately, self-regulation among citizens is essential.”
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