Pernod Ricard India to challenge rejection of renewal of sales licence

In a setback to the French spirits major Pernod Ricard, the Delhi government has rejected its application for renewal of its sales licence on the ground of the ongoing investigations against the company.

However, Pernod Ricard India, which owns brands such as Royal Stag and Blenders Pride, in a statement said it will "challenge through due process the recent decision" by the excise authorities to deny this operating licence.

The excise department of the government of the national capital territory of Delhi had last week decided not to renew the sales licence of Pernod Ricard, said official sources.

An application from Pernod Ricard was received in September 2022 and it was not accepted then. Following this, the liquor major went to the court which directed the excise department to formally take a decision. That application has been now rejected, they said.

The decision was taken on the ground of ongoing investigations against the company in matters related to violation of the exci