Manufacture, etc., of excisable article prohibited except under a licence

(1) No person shall-

1. (a) manufacture or collect an intoxicant;
2. (b) cultivate hemp plant;
3. (c) tap an excise tree or draw toddy from any such trees;
4. (d) construct or work a distillery or brewery;
5. (e) bottle liquor for sale; or
6. (f) use, keep or have in his possession, any materials, stills, utensils, implements or apparatus whatsoever for the purpose of manufacturing any intoxicant other than toddy;except under the authority and subject to the terms and conditions of a licence granted by such officer, not below the rank of an Excise Superintendent, as may be prescribed. 2[Provided that the provisions of this sub-section, in so far as they relate to establishing, continuing or licensing a distillery shall apply only to those distilleries which manufacture spirits for potable purpose and regulatory provisions relating to regulation and supervision, shall be applicable to all distilleries.]

1. (2) A licence granted under this section shall extend to and cover servants and other persons employed by the licensee and acting on his behalf. . Substituted by the Act No. 10 of 1989, S.6 . Clause (f) of sub-section (1) added by the Act No.11 of 2000, S.2
2. (3) Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (1), the Government may, by notification, direct that in such area as may be specified therein it shall not be necessary to take out a licence for the manufacture of liquor for bona fide home consumption of the manufacturer.