For nearly five decades, Lakshadweep had maintained a total ban on liquor, with limited exceptions for government-run bars and tourist resorts in a few places. However, for the first time in 47 years, the Muslim-majority Union Territory of India has decided to permit the sale of alcohol. The Central Government has rolled out the new Lakshadweep Excise Regulation that allows for regulated sale of liquor. Here’s everything you need to know about the Lakshadweep alcohol ban that has been lifted after 47 years.
Lakshadweep has a majority Muslim population. About 97% of the population living in Lakshadweep follows Islam, representing the highest proportion of Muslims of any state or union territory in India. A majority of them are also classified as Scheduled Tribes.
Alcohol prohibition in Lakshadweep dates back to 1979. It was introduced to respect the religious beliefs of Islam which prohibited alcohol. This made Lakshadweep one of the few regions in India to ban the sale of alcohol. Gujarat, Bihar, and some Northeast states are few of the other states where alcohol is banned – ultimately earning them the title of a ‘dry state’.
Since 1979, successive administrations have retained the Lakshadweep alcohol ban for decades. Over the years, political parties and religious groups have opposed uplifting the alcohol ban, arguing that the alcohol ban was in line with the prevalent cultural and religious practices in the islands.
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The 47 year Lakshadweep alcohol ban that began in 1979 was never absolute. Alcohol remained available under limited exemptions – mostly at resorts on Kavaratti and Bangaram Islands for tourists and government officials. This allowed the administration to cater to a wider set of tourists while respecting local religious beliefs.
However, Lakshadweep has now decided to uplift the alcohol ban in a historic move. This shift seems to be the Union Government’s push to develop Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. Compared to many other tourist destinations in India, including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep largely remains underexplored.
Lifting restrictions on alcohol availability can attract more tourists to Lakshadweep. The islands have tremendous scope for tourism, thanks to its pristine beaches, marine life, and a number of water adventure sports. A more liberal access to alcohol can only help flourish the tourism industry in Lakshadweep.
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Data by the India Today Group shows that tourist arrivals in Lakshadweep surged by a whopping 47% from just 3,875 in 2020 to 68,328 in 2024. The sharpest jump came after PM Narendra Modi visited the islands in 2024.
uPM Modi visited Lakshadweep in January 2024. During his visit, he interacted with locals, enjoyed visiting the numerous beaches. PM Modi even went snorkeling, in what can be considered as a definitive push to make Lakshadweep the next big summer destination in India.
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Lakshadweep, in a historic move, has repealed the ban on alcohol that has been in place since 1979. With the prohibition regime ending, it will be interesting to see how the Union administration utilizes this opportunity to develop tourism in Lakshadweep.
