Liquor licensing regime may ease
New Delhi: The government is reported to be considering liberal licensing regime for import and manufacture of liquor to provide the domestic industry adequate cover against influx of bottled foreign liquor, once the quantitative restrictions (QRs) cease to exist from April 1, 2001.

The directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) has recently advised the department of food processing industry (DFPI) and the department of chemicals and petrochemicals (DCPC) to consider issuing fresh import licences to Indian companies seeking to import concentrate of alcoholic beverage for making blended scotch. The DGFT had observed that in order to compete with imported bottled liquor and products of MNCs operating in India, domestic companies would need to have a full portfolio of liquor products.

Several of the Indian liquor manufacturers such as Shaw Wallace, Radico Khaitan and Central Distillery & Breweries have sought permission for import of concentrate if alcoholic beverages for making blended Scotch whisky.
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Indian hotel sector will attract $700 m investments
Mumbai: Jones Lang LaSalle India in its just published India Hotel Report 2000 has projected that the Indian hotel industry will witness greater investments from international hotel chains. An estimated $700 million is expected to be invested into the Indian hotel industry over the next three to four years, including projects currently under construction.

The report says that additional 4,000 to 5,000 rooms will be added in the five-star and five-star deluxe category by 2004. The additional capacity is expected to be concentrated in key destinations like Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Calcutta, Goa, Kerala and Jaipur.

Among the international hotel chains looking to expand their presence in India include Accor Asia Pacific, Hyatt International, Carlson Hospitality Worldwide and Marriott International.

Besides Indian players like ITC Hotels Ltd., EIH Ltd., Hotel Leela venture Ltd., Asian Hotels Ltd. and Bharat Hotels Ltd. are also evincing interest in expanding their operations.

The report has been compiled on the basis of a survey of hotel management firms, covering 24,000 rooms in 180 hotels, interview with government tourism bodies, Airport Authority of India and analysis of annual reports of eight listed Indian hotel chains.
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