Lakshadweep is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in India and is often seen as a perfect alternative to the Maldives. Over 47 years, this tourist hotspot had strict rules prohibiting alcohol, but under the new regulations, there is a change to boost tourism. Read on to know more!
Lakshadweep Changes Its Long-Standing Alcohol Rules
For nearly 47 years, Lakshadweep has strictly banned alcohol under the Lakshadweep Prohibition Regulation, 1979. But now there’s a change! As per India Today, the government has updated the rule through a Gazette notification issued on June 5, 2026. If you’re wondering why alcohol was banned in Lakshadweep, then we’ve got you. It’s because the Union Territory has a Muslim-majority population. Around 97% of the population follows Islam, and alcohol is prohibited in Islam.
Under the updated framework, the Lakshadweep Excise Regulation, 2026, liquor can be manufactured, imported, transported, sold, and consumed. But for that, too, you need the necessary licences. Government-owned bodies can also get permission to import and sell alcohol. Keep in mind that this is not an open market. The Administrator can set limits on how much alcohol people can buy or keep, and can even ban alcohol again if required. Also, anyone below the age of 21 is not allowed to buy alcohol.
Also Read: Lakshadweep Changes Tourist Permit Rules; What’s Required Now And What’s Removed?
High Taxes On Alcohol
To make sure alcohol’s availability remains controlled, the government has imposed very high taxes on alcohol in Lakshadweep. India Today reported that liquor has a 400% excise duty, while beer and wine are taxed at 200% and 80% respectively. These taxes make sure that alcohol is not easily accessible.
Even though Lakshadweep had a ban on alcohol, it was not completely unavailable. Alcohol was still served in a few specific places, such as certain government-run facilities and tourist resorts on islands like Kavaratti and Bangaram.
The biggest reason for this change is to boost tourism in Lakshadweep. The government wants to attract more visitors and promote the islands as an alternative to popular international destinations like the Maldives.
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: India’s First Seaplane Operations Get Approval, Set To Start Soon In Lakshadweep
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Akshay Kumar & Canva Pro/ Konstantin Mishchenko
FAQs
For how long was alcohol prohibited in Lakshadweep?
Alcohol was largely prohibited in Lakshadweep for nearly 47 years, from 1979 until the policy change in 2026.
Why Lakshadweep updated alcohol rules?
The Lakshadweep updated the alcohol rules to boost tourism and make it perfect place to visit instead of Maldives.
What is allowed under the new alcohol rules in Lakshadweep?
Under the new rules, alcohol can be manufactured, imported, transported, sold, and consumed in Lakshadweep but needs necessary licenses.