Policy & Advocacy

The All India Brewers Association actively engages with central and state governments, regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to support balanced, transparent and progressive policy frameworks for India’s beer sector.

AIBA — Policy & Advocacy

Our approach

Balanced, transparent and progressive policy frameworks

The All India Brewers Association actively engages with central and state governments, regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to support balanced, transparent and progressive policy frameworks for India's beer sector. The association works to ensure that regulatory developments encourage responsible industry growth while safeguarding public interest, quality standards and consumer awareness.

AIBA contributes industry insights, research inputs and constructive recommendations on taxation, excise policies, responsible consumption initiatives, sustainability practices and ease of doing business. Through ongoing dialogue with policymakers, media and trade bodies, AIBA aims to foster a stable regulatory environment that supports innovation, investment, employment generation and the long-term development of India's brewing industry.

Central + State

Levels of government AIBA engages with

6+

Key policy areas actively advocated

CII, ASSOCHAM

Industry bodies collaborated with

Policy focus areas

Taxation reform

Advocating rational, equitable excise and tax structures that reflect beer's significantly lower ABV compared to spirits

Regulatory framework

Engaging with state governments on excise policy, distribution norms and ease of doing business for the brewing sector

Trade body collaboration

Working with CII, ASSOCHAM, FSSAI, MoFPI and APEDA on sectoral issues that affect the industry

Sustainability standards

Supporting quality benchmarks, FSSAI compliance and sustainable brewing practices across the industry

Industry data and research

Providing credible, evidence-based insights to policymakers, regulators and media on market trends and industry impact

Consumer protection

Promoting responsible consumption, legal drinking age awareness and public education on moderate beer consumption

AIBA's positions

What AIBA advocates for

  • Rational beer taxation: Beer should be taxed in proportion to its alcohol content — not at rates comparable to hard liquor. This would bring India in line with global best practices.
  • Differentiated regulation: Beer should be regulated differently from spirits given its significantly lower ABV (5-8% vs 40%+), particularly regarding minimum drinking age and retail access.
  • Responsible consumption: A constructive approach to alcohol policy that promotes moderation and reduces the cost advantage currently enjoyed by high-ABV spirits due to the tax structure.
  • Ease of doing business: Reducing operational arbitrariness — including hologramming requirements, third shift restrictions, interstate logistics barriers and irrational promotion rules.

Who AIBA engages with

The AIBA Secretariat engages directly with:

Central government ministries

State excise departments

MoFPI & APEDA

FSSAI

CII, ASSOCHAM

Media and industry analysts

Member companies

Global brewing associations