Tue Oct 07 11:50:58 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, aimed at an international audience, along with some context about the source:
**News Article:**
**Kerala Passes Amendment to Tax Locally-Made Wine**
**Thiruvananthapuram, India – October 7, 2025** – The Kerala Legislative Assembly has approved an amendment to the Kerala General Sales Tax Act, bringing locally-produced “horti-wine” under the same tax structure as Indian-made wine. The bill, which passed quickly amidst unrelated opposition protests, aims to establish a clear tax framework for wine made from locally sourced fruits and agricultural products.
According to Finance Minister K. Balagopal, the move is designed to support local farmers by preventing the wastage of fruits and vegetables. The Kerala government initially sanctioned the production of horti-wine in 2022, allowing the fermentation of tropical fruits and agricultural products, excluding cereals. The rules define horti-wine as having alcohol up to 15.5%.
The amendment effectively extends the sales tax levied on foreign liquor under the 1963 Act to include this locally-produced alternative, potentially impacting the pricing and availability of horti-wine in the state. The bill was passed on Monday.
First Piper 