In a move which would further deregulate the "potable liquor" sector – which refers to the segment specialising in alcoholic beverages such as whisky, beer and rum – the Indian government has decided to scrap the mandatory licensing policy for manufacturers.
The major beneficiaries of the move would be foreign liquor manufacturers who would no longer need to seek tie-ups with Indian partners holding a brewing licence, and would allow them to set up their own breweries.
(Source: The Financial Express)