
Following the recent dispute between India and Maldives, there may be a growing interest in visiting Lakshadweep. However, inquiries about the availability of alcohol in this scenic Union Territory have consistently been a concern for tourists.
It’s crucial to understand that liquor is not entirely prohibited in Lakshadweep. Instead, it is restricted to specific areas with the necessary permissions from the administration. The sale of alcohol is limited to Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep, and Bangaram Islands.
Importantly, locals are not allowed to purchase liquor, as the sales are exclusively for tourists and government officials, regulated by the Lakshadweep Tourism Developmental Corporation. This corporation also oversees alcohol sales in Bangaram Atoll, the island recently visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It’s worth noting that Bangaram Atoll is exclusively designated for tourists and lacks a local population. In August 2023, protests erupted among locals following the public release of the draft ‘Lakshadweep Excise Regulation, 2022,’ with a 30-day window for suggestions and feedback.
According to the administration, the protests were premature, as no decision had been made at the time. An official clarified to India Today that a new policy had been submitted, and the protests began before any decisions were finalized.