Should Your Restaurant Allow BYOB? Corkage Fee Pricing Guide for India
BYOB policies are gaining traction in Indian restaurants, especially in metro cities where alcohol licensing can be restrictive or expensive. Allowing customers to bring their own bottle can attract diners who want choice without paying restaurant markup, but you need a clear corkage policy to make it work financially.
What Should You Charge?
Corkage fees in India typically range from ₹300-₹800 per bottle for wine and ₹500-₹1,200 for spirits, depending on your restaurant positioning. Fine dining establishments in Mumbai and Delhi charge upward of ₹1,000, while casual dining spots keep it around ₹400-₹500. Calculate your fee based on what you'd normally earn on a bottle—aim for 40-60% of your average alcohol revenue per table.
Setting Clear Terms
Display your BYOB policy clearly on your menu—DineCard (dinecard.in) makes it easy to update digital QR menus instantly for just ₹99/month. Specify bottle limits, permitted alcohol types, and whether corkage applies on certain days. Many restaurants waive corkage during off-peak hours or for premium diners to drive footfall.
Pro tip: BYOB works best when your food is the star. Focus on excellent cuisine and service—customers will happily pay corkage for the flexibility.
Create a QR code menu for your restaurant in 5 minutes with DineCard.
Try Free