Lakshadweep Ends 47-Year Liquor Ban, Introduces Regulated Excise Regime

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Lakshadweep Excise Regulation, 2026, formally ending the Union Territory's 47-year-old prohibition policy and paving the way for the controlled sale and consumption of alcohol. Droupadi Murmu, President of India Promulgated under Article 240 of the Constitution, the new law replaces the Lakshadweep Prohibition Regulation, 1979, and establishes a comprehensive excise framework governing the manufacture, import, transport, possession, sale and consumption of liquor across the islands. New Licensing Framework The regulation mandates the appointment of an Excise Commissioner as the chief excise authority, while the Deputy Commissioner will serve as the licensing authority for import and retail permits. Liquor licences may be granted to government-owned corporations, companies, agencies and autonomous bodies for import and retail vending. Private individuals and entities may also obtain licences for manufacturing, wholesale distribution and retail s

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