With the new policy, prices of whiskey, gin, rum and other beverages with higher alcohol content – majorly consumed by people of economically weaker sections – are expected to go up in Karnataka. | Photo Credit: Photo for representation only As Karnataka moves towards a new ‘Alcohol in Beverage’ (AIB) policy with respect to excise taxation, prices of whiskey, gin, rum and other beverages with higher alcohol content – majorly consumed by people of economically weaker sections – are set to go up. A draft proposal by the Excise Department to implement the AIB, which was announced by Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the 2026-27 budget proposals, brings down the excise duty slabs from 16 to 8, and increases the cost of ‘stronger’ alcohol beverages. Published – April 21, 2026 12:32 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Higher the alcohol content in your drink, more you pay in Karnataka Like to criticise movies? Now make one: How ‘Big Pitchure’ works