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Kerala Finalizes ₹20 Refundable Deposit on Plastic Liquor Bottles

Launching a QR-coded pilot in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur this September, it paves the way for statewide expansion in January.

Liquor priced above ₹800 would be sold in glass bottles, while cheaper alcohol would continue to be sold in plastic.
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Kerala to charge Rs 20 refundable deposit on liquor, glass bottles for 800+ booze to curb plastic waste.
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Overview

  • Each plastic liquor bottle sold through Bevco will carry a ₹20 refundable deposit to incentivise returns.
  • Liquor priced above ₹800 is now required to be sold in glass bottles while lower-priced brands remain in plastic.
  • A QR code will be affixed to every bottle to track returns and ensure refunds at the same outlet of purchase.
  • The pilot scheme begins in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur in September 2025 before a full state rollout in January 2026.
  • Kerala will open its first 4,000-sq-ft super premium outlet in Thrissur on August 5, stocking liquor priced above ₹900.