Budget 2020: Commerce ministry for restricting duty-free alcohol purchase to one bottle

These recommendations are part of proposals made by the commerce ministry for the forthcoming Budget, which would be unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1.

By Smita Balram, ET Bureau | Updated: Jan 21, 2020, 12.33 PM IST

NEW DELHI: The commerce ministry’s proposal to restrict the purchase of tax-free alcohol to one bottle at duty-free shops will disappoint many consumers. The price disparity between the domestic market and airport duty free in India is among the highest in the world. This, in turn, makes it attractive for Indians to buy booze at the airport. ET’s Smita Balram explains.

Duty-free zone at the airports is a global platform and a massive channel of showcase for brands. If this rule is implemented, high-end variants of liquor brands and the craft market will get affected Sandeep Arora, Director, Spiritual Luxury Living (a luxury spirits consultancy).