Karnataka's New Alcohol Tax System Effective April Drives United Breweries, United Spirits Shares Up 5%

Karnataka has announced a new alcohol excise framework that will come into force on 1 April. The revised system is expected to streamline revenue collection and reduce smuggling. Shares of United Breweries Ltd. and United Spirits Ltd. rose roughly 5% in pre‑market trading after the announcement. Analysts say the move could boost the companies’ margins as the state plans to increase tax rates on premium beverages.