NRAI’s two year push gets the govt. moving, clearing the road for this new segment.
The Delhi government’s green signal for micro-breweries is the direct result of the NRAI presenting a persuasive case to the government via its excise department.
The NRAI took the initiative two years ago with its first presentation to the Delhi excise department. Though, as things stalled, the NRAI reignited the initiative with a very detailed representation to the Delhi excise team this February providing relevant information on the microbrewery sector and its benefits.
“We are glad that the representation was accepted and implemented in this year’s policy,” said Rahul Singh, hon. secretary, NRAI and founder, BTB Marketing, owners of The Beer Cafe.
The proposal, which was approved by the Delhi government on the weekend, has cited existence of microbreweries in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Pune and Bengaluru and said opening such outlets can shore up the state’s revenue.
“There are no micro-breweries in Delhi due to which people have to go to Faridabad or Gurgaon to get freshly-brewed beer. If government approves this proposal, it will also help generate more revenue. Micro-breweries produce a small amount of lager and are usually set up in pubs that cater to niche customers. The proposal will soon be tabled before the cabinet. We are hoping to increase revenue through this exercise,” said a senior government official.
