Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has issued an order allowing the sale of liquor in IT parks across the state. Both government-owned and private IT parks are eligible to apply for a license. The sale of liquor will be restricted to official visitors and guests of IT companies.
Only one license will be granted per establishment, with an annual license fee of ₹10 lakh. Licensed companies must procure foreign liquor exclusively from FL-9 license holders. Liquor sales are prohibited on the 1st of every month and other dry days designated by the government. Operating hours are set from 12 PM to 12 AM.
Even if an IT park houses multiple establishments, only one license will be issued. Liquor outlets must be located adjacent to the companies but cannot be directly connected to office spaces. Separate pathways to these outlets are mandatory. The liquor will be available only to employees and visitors of the IT park’s companies, with sales to outsiders strictly prohibited.
The sale of substandard liquor is also banned. In case of complaints, an officer of the rank of Deputy Excise Commissioner can take action and impose fines, as per the government order. This move is seen as a significant change in the state’s IT sector regulations.
