Bengaluru, June 24 -- Karnataka's recent excise reforms and revised liquor pricing policy have delivered a major boost to the state exchequer, with beer sales witnessing an unprecedented surge following a reduction in prices of select low-alcohol beer brands. The move appears to have significantly altered consumer preferences, resulting in a sharp rise in beer consumption and a substantial increase in excise revenue.

According to data from the Excise Department, revenue collection between May 11 and June 11 - the first month after implementation of the new pricing structure - increased by 14.84 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. During the month, the state generated Rs.3,745.14 crore in excise revenue, up from Rs.3,2...