Lakshadweep ends 47-year prohibition, opens licensed liquor regime to court tourists
Centre repeals 1979 dry law, allowing alcohol manufacture, sale and consumption across Lakshadweep under steep excise: 400% on IMFL, 200% beer, 80% wine. Sales capped at 21+. Move targets tourism uplift after 68,328 visitors in 2024 and 47% growth, opening runway for hotels and resort operators.
What happened
Lakshadweep Administration · Centre repeals Lakshadweep's 1979 prohibition law, replacing it with a licensed excise regime allowing alcohol manufacture, sale
Key facts
- 400% excise on IMFL
- 200% on beer
- 80% on wine
- 68,328 tourists in 2024
- 47% growth
- age limit 21
Why this matters
Scout resort, F&B, and excise-licensed retail acquisition targets in Lakshadweep early before incumbents lock up scarce island sites and the bid-ask spread widens on the new licensed regime.