Lakshadweep allows serving of liquor in govt. guest houses in eight islands to boost tourism

The Lakshadweep administration has issued an order allowing liquor service in eight government guesthouses under the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), a major organization for promotion of tourism in the Union Territory. This move in an otherwise dry region is considered part of tourism promotion.

According to the order, alcohol will be served in guesthouses on the islands of Kadamat, Agatti, Kalpeni, Kiltan, Chetlat, Amini, Andrott and Bitra. The directive issued by Lakshadweep Collector R. Giri Sankar under Regulation 19 (1)(b) of the Lakshadweep Prohibition Ordinance, 1979 came into force on February 17. The license was issued to the general manager of SPORTS to possess liquor and supply it to persons or entities holding a valid permit or license under the Regulations. The license will be valid for one year from the date of notification of the order.

According to sources in the administration, licenses allowing drinking in tourist lodges on Kavaratti, Minicoy and Kadamat islands had previously been issued. It was stated that with the latest order, the facility was expanded to include state guesthouses on the islands that do not have tourist lodges.

Strict conditions

The license comes with strict conditions. Possession of alcoholic beverages will be permitted only within the boundaries of the licensed premises. Alcohol will be served exclusively to valid permit holders or license holders within the scope of the regulation. A separate stock register should be kept showing details of liquors held and served. Transporting liquor will require a separate permit specifying the quantity and other details. The information of permit holders who consume alcohol should be recorded in licensed facilities and submitted to the authorities on a monthly basis. Any violation will result in cancellation of the license and penalties under the Prohibition Ordinance.

Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed called the order “unacceptable” and demanded its immediate withdrawal. He reminded that in 2021, despite public objections, liquor stores were allowed on four islands under the pretext of promoting tourism. He warned that expanding liquor distribution to more islands would increase alcohol addiction among young people and lead to social problems as well as law and order.

Congress committees in all the islands have sent protest letters to the District Collector seeking withdrawal of the order. The party leadership also stated that legal action would be taken if corrective measures were not taken.