Bhubaneswar, April 3 Odisha Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Friday that the government has allowed the sale of liquor in tetra packs, subject to certain criteria, in its new Excise Policy for 2026-29.
Speaking to media persons here, Harichandan said that selling liquor in tetra packs has been part of the state's excise policy since 2014. However, it has not yet been made available in the Odisha market, he said.
"If any licensed liquor manufacturer or vendor wants to produce or sell liquor in tetra packs, they can do so. The government will not restrict them," he clarified.
The state government is prioritizing the proper regulation of liquor manufacturing and sale within the state, the minister added.
"We just ensure that there is no illegal sale of liquor in the state," he stated.
According to the new Excise Policy, which came into effect on April 1, India-made foreign liquor (IMFL) manufacturers can supply their products in tetra packaging and in glass bottles in specified sizes. Only 180 ml can be supplied in tetra packs.
The tetra packs must have six protective layers and must have the shelf life or the date for consumption clearly mentioned on the packaging, the policy guidelines said.
Before using the tetra packs for liquor packaging, the manufacturing units must obtain certification from the Central Food Technology Research Institute or the Indian Institute of Packaging, or any other institute as notified by the excise commissioner, it said.
Earlier, opposition leaders had demanded the reversal of the government's decision to introduce the sale of liquor in tetra packs, calling the move "unethical" and "anti-youth".
