Section 13: Manufacture, etc., of excisable article prohibited except under a licence

(1) No person shall –

(a) manufacture or collect an intoxicant;

(b) cultivate hemp plant;

(c) tap an excise tree or draw toddy from any such tree;

(d) construct or work distillery or brewery;

(e) bottle liquor for sale; or

(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 ¹[District Prohibition and Excise Officer], 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.]

(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.

(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 bonafied home consumption of the manufacturer.