Close to 1000 Establishments across HoReCa and AlcoBev Businesses on Board as State Prepares to Roll Out DRS for Alcohol from September 1

~ The scheme has received encouraging support from consumers, AlcoBev brands, HoReCa businesses, retailers and panchayats across Goa.
~ The first phase of implementation will cover alcoholic beverages.
~ All Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) dealing in liquor products must obtain registration under the Deposit Refund Scheme on or before July 31, 2026, as a mandatory pre-condition for placing such products in the market with effect from September 1, 2026.

Goa Khabar:With September 1 finalised as the rollout date for the first phase of the Goa Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS), close to 1000 hotels, restaurants and cafés (HoReCa) and AlcoBev entities registered and operating in the state have joined hands with the landmark waste management initiative, marking a significant step towards tackling non-biodegradable packaging waste in India’s premier tourism destination.

The first phase will cover all alcoholic beverages, carrying a nominal refundable deposit on eligible packaging, including glass bottles, PET bottles, metal cans, Tetra Pak cartons and any other DRS products as notified. Consumers can recover the full deposit by returning empty beverage containers through designated collection points, Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) or through door step collection. The initiative aims to improve packaging recovery, reduce littering and build a cleaner, more sustainable Goa.

“Phase 1 of Goa DRS is a decisive step towards making Goa cleaner and more sustainable. By starting with the AlcoBev segment and making returns simple and financially rewarding, we are confident that citizens, tourists and brands will actively participate in this environmentally conscious initiative,” said Dr Anthony de Sa, Chairman of the DRS Authority.

Addressing queries around QR code implementation, Dr Anthony de Sa added:

“The QR code is not an arbitrary addition to the Deposit Refund Scheme; it is the foundation that enables secure refunds, traceability and fraud prevention. QR-based traceability is already an established practice in the alcohol industry, with 17 States mandating excise QR codes for alcoholic beverages. The industry has successfully integrated these systems, including on high-speed production lines. Once a producer or brand registers under Goa DRS, the authorised QR printing provider supplies the printed QR stickers. Brands can simply place their order through the Goa DRS portal and have the stickers delivered to any of their manufacturing facilities. Our objective is to make implementation simple, secure and transparent while protecting consumers and the integrity of the refund system.”

For the first phase of implementation, scores of beverage brands have already been onboarded under Goa DRS, including companies across alcoholic beverages, packaged drinks and other categories covered under the Scheme. Following registration, participating brands can order printed QR stickers through the Goa DRS portal. The authorised QR printing provider supplies the stickers directly to the manufacturing facility specified by the brand, making implementation simple and ensuring compliance with the Scheme. 

Leading industry players such as United Breweries Limited and Kingfisher Drinks have already come on board, while several Goan brands, including Rosita (Tap House), Borecha, Maka Di, Kati Patang and Thirsty Crocodile, participated in the Scheme’s first public pilot at Panjim Potluck by adopting QR-coded packaging.

Registered participants include several leading hospitality brands such as Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, ITC Grand Goa, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Alila Diwa Goa, Le Méridien Goa, Calangute, Hyatt Place Goa, Candolim and The Park Calangute Goa. Among restaurants, cafés and hospitality venues, participants include Purple Martini, Cohiba Bar & Kitchen, One8 Commune Goa, Baba Au Rhum, Anjuna, Elephant & Co, Anjuna and Terttulia Goa, among others.

The HoReCa sector will play a key role in the Goa DRS, with hotels, restaurants and cafés benefiting from dedicated collection mechanisms and direct pickup arrangements for bulk returns, making participation easier while improving packaging recovery across the state.

Dr Mohan Krishna Balivada, Founder of Cheers and producer of Kadamba Single Malt Whisky, who took part in a live demonstration during the Spirit of Goa festival in Colva, said:

“I personally experienced the DRS demonstration and received the refund. We are ready for the September 1 timeline as we believe this scheme is planet-friendly and good for Goa.”

Rohan Pereira, Co-founder of Usacha Rum, said:

“We are very impressed with what DRS is capable of. This is the kind of on-ground infrastructure the industry has been missing. With the launch date approaching, I hope everyone comes together to support DRS.”

Sudeep Gusain, Purchase Manager at Alila Diwa Goa, a Hyatt brand, said:

“We chose to be part of the Deposit Refund Scheme as it strongly aligns with Alila Diwa Goa’s commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality. The initiative enables us to actively reduce waste, promote recycling and engage both our team and guests in meaningful environmental stewardship.”

Consumers have also welcomed the decision to begin with alcoholic beverage packaging.

“I think this is a smart move to start with alcohol since alcohol litter is something we see lying around all the time near beaches and other public spaces. If people have a reason to return these bottles, our beaches will definitely be cleaner,” said one resident who participated in a recent DRS awareness event.

With over 100 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) already installed across Goa, panchayats are extending strong support towards the Scheme’s implementation.

“We are getting an RVM installed at our panchayat, which will help us keep Velguem village clean. This scheme will benefit the masses as well, since they will get their deposit back for responsible disposal. I request everyone to make use of the machine and return their beverage packaging through it,” said Yogita Haldankar, Sarpanch, Velguem Panchayat.

All Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) dealing in liquor products are required to obtain registration under the Deposit Refund Scheme on or before July 31, 2026, as a mandatory pre-condition for placing such products in the Goa market with effect from September 1, 2026.

Goa DRS continues to conduct demonstrations, stakeholder engagement sessions and public awareness campaigns across the state ahead of the Scheme’s formal rollout, helping consumers, businesses and tourism stakeholders understand how the initiative works and preparing them for a smooth transition.