Kozhikode: It has been decided to bring liquor in large quantities from Kerala to Lakshadweep where there is a ban on alcohol. In the name of tourism, the administrator’s move to lift the ban on alcohol in Lakshadweep in a phased manner. For this, the Lakshadweep Promotion Council has decided to purchase a large quantity of liquor from the Kerala State Beverages Corporation.
The uninhabited island of Bankaram in Lakshadweep, which has a strict liquor ban, currently serves restricted alcohol only to tourists. An attempt was made in 2021 to extend it to Kavaratti, Minikoi and Kadamam resorts but it did not happen due to public resistance. But now there is a move to make alcohol available everywhere in the island.
Lakshadweep MP and various organizations of the island are strongly opposing the lifting of the liquor ban. But if tourism is to grow in Lakshadweep, the administrator’s position is that the availability of alcohol should be ensured. A draft bill for this was prepared last year. With the coming into force of the bill, the Lakshadweep Liquor Prohibition Act of 1979 will be repealed.
Lakshadweep Tourism Promotion Council buys liquor from warehouses in Kochi. Kerala’s permission has also been received for this. Earlier, the Lakshadweep Tourism Promotion Council had written to the state government requesting large quantities of liquor for tourism promotion.
Kerala agreed to provide liquor based on the report of the Excise Commissioner who studied the same. As per the current Excise Act, liquor cannot be shipped. The tax department issued a separate order for this.
