Regulatory Engagement

Engagement approach

Constructive, evidence-based regulatory dialogue

AIBA believes in constructive engagement rather than adversarial lobbying. The association works proactively with both central and state government authorities, regulatory bodies and allied trade associations to present the industry's perspective through credible data, well-reasoned representations and transparent policy dialogue.

Every engagement is guided by AIBA's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, ensuring that all communications are limited to legitimate industry matters, pre-circulated agendas and factual, evidence-based inputs.

How AIBA engages

Step 1

Issue identification

Policy or regulatory development identified through member inputs, government announcements or industry monitoring

Step 2

Research and analysis

AIBA compiles data, industry insights and comparative evidence to build a well-reasoned position paper

Step 3

Representation

Formal submission to relevant ministry, state government or regulatory authority with supporting documentation

Step 4

Follow-up and dialogue

Ongoing engagement through meetings, industry forums and collaborative discussions until resolution

State governments

Key areas of state-level engagement

  • Excise duty rationalisation: Representations to state excise ministries advocating for duty structures that reflect beer’s lower ABV and support industry growth and consumer affordability.
  • Retail licensing norms: Advocacy for more rational retail outlet licensing — India’s current ratio of one outlet per 18,000 people significantly restricts legal alcohol availability.
  • Distribution and logistics: Reducing arbitrariness in interstate stock movement levies, third shift operations, hologramming requirements and warehouse regulations.
  • Responsible consumption compliance: Working with state authorities to ensure compliance with local regulations on communication, promotions and minimum drinking age enforcement.

Industry bodies

CII

Confederation of Indian Industry — engagement on broad industry policy, ease of doing business and manufacturing sector representation

ASSOCHAM

Associated Chambers of Commerce — collaboration on tax policy, regulatory reform and business environment advocacy

FSSAI

FSSAI — Food Safety and Standards Authority of India — engagement on standardisation of beer specifications, product quality standards and compliance

Public and media engagement

Communicating AIBA's position responsibly

AIBA engages with media, government bodies and the public to highlight the community service aspects, responsibility codes, agricultural linkages and economic benefits of India's beer industry. All media engagement is guided by AIBA's ethical standards and is limited to factual, data-backed communication.

AIBA does not engage in consumer-facing advertising. All public communication is institutional — focused on policy positions, industry data, responsible consumption advocacy and transparency about AIBA's role and objectives.

Ethical standards in advocacy: All AIBA meetings, representations and communications are strictly limited to legitimate industry matters with pre-circulated agendas. AIBA members and the secretariat commit to full compliance with competition laws, anti-bribery regulations and all applicable statutory requirements in all advocacy activities. This is governed by AIBA’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.