Kerala allows IMFL supply to Lakshadweep

The Kerala government has granted a one-time special sanction for the supply of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) to Lakshadweep to promote tourism. The approval was given after a request from the Lakshadweep administration’s tourism body, SPORTS, to procure liquor in bulk from the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco).

This decision comes after the state's Excise Commissioner recommended the relaxation of state liquor rules, which typically do not permit such transfers. Liquor availability has been a challenge for tourists in Lakshadweep, where sales are restricted to specific areas like Kavaratti and Bangaram islands.

The state government’s move is seen as a step toward enhancing the islands’ tourism appeal. As per the report, future amendments to Kerala's foreign liquor rules may be considered to enable regular liquor supplies to Lakshadweep .