Patna, Aug. 5: The excise department has given permission to breweries in Bihar to send beer to Tripura after the state government received the import permit from the northeast state.

Bihar has three breweries, one each of Carlsberg, Molson Coors, and the UB Group. The Carlsberg and Molson Coors units - both on the outskirts of Patna - were set for up Rs 140 crore and Rs 50 crore respectively, while the UB Group brewery at Naubatpur in was set up for Rs 250 crore. All three units are under a cloud, thanks to the prohibitive conditions of the total liquor ban.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar said in the Assembly recently that liquor could be exported from Bihar but the state government will keep a close eye on the consignments.

"We have not stopped the breweries from exporting liquor to other states after manufacturing it here," Omprakash Mandal, excise department assistant commissioner, told The Telegraph today. "However, one needs an import order; states wishing to take beer manufactured in Bihar have to write to the department here. The department has got the import order from Tripura, so the breweries here can export their products to Tripura."

He admitted the companies had "doubts and uncertainties" after prohibition.

"The state government was always clear that they could export their product. However, rules have to be followed for this too. Without an export order, how can they just send liquor outside Bihar? What happens if the state to which they are sending it does not accept it and it comes back to Bihar again where liquor is strictly prohibited?"

He also sounded a warning for the companies.

"If it is found that the product of a particular brand is being sold here even after being exported, the department is liable to take legal action against the company. The companies should be careful and know they will be held responsible," Mandal said.

The Telegraph emailed the companies to find out whether they were thinking of winding up Bihar operations. Carlsberg said they would respond later; Molson Coors didn't respond. Sumanto Bhattacharyaof the UB Group said: "The excise department is willing to give permission for export to states outside Bihar, with a provision that in the event stocks find their way back to Bihar the company would be liable for prosecution. Our view is that we do not control the movement of stock after it is sold. This condition is under negotiation and we are hopeful that an acceptable solution will be found."

A senior UB Group official, requesting anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media, had earlier told The Telegraph that the company was considering wrapping up from Bihar.

Sector experts felt the Tripura order would not really cheer up the companies.

"The danger still looms," said a businessman who used to be in the liquor trade. "Rampant bootlegging is on; miscreants are smuggling in liquor. A company cannot place its men in border areas. Such rules discourage business. I don't think the export order is going to make much of a difference."