The Lakshadweep administration has issued an order allowing liquor to be served in eight government guest houses under the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), the nodal agency for tourism promotion in the Union Territory. The move, in an otherwise dry region, is considered as part of tourism promotion.

As per the order, liquor will be served in guest houses located in Kadamat, Agatti, Kalpeni, Kiltan, Chetlat, Amini, Andrott, and Bitra islands. The directive, issued by Lakshadweep Collector R. Giri Sankar under Regulation 19 (1)(b) of the Lakshadweep Prohibition Regulation, 1979, came into effect on February 17. The licence has been issued to the general manager of SPORTS to possess liquor and issue it to persons or institutions holding a valid permit or licence under the Regulation. The licence will remain valid for one year from the date of notification of the order.

According to sources in the administration, licences had earlier been issued to permit liquor in tourism huts in Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Kadamat islands. The latest order extends the facility to State guest houses in islands without tourism huts, they said.

Strict conditions

The licence comes with strict conditions. Possession of liquor will be permissible only within the premises of the licenced facility. Liquor shall be served exclusively to valid permit holders or persons holding licences under the regulation. A separate stock register must be maintained detailing liquor possessed and served. Transportation of liquor will require separate permission specifying quantity and other particulars. Details of permit holders who consume liquor must be recorded at the licenced premises and submitted monthly to the authorities. Any violation will attract cancellation of the licence and punishment under the Prohibition Regulation.

Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed has termed the order “unacceptable” and demanded its immediate withdrawal. He recalled that in 2021, liquor shops were permitted in four islands under the pretext of promoting tourism, despite public opposition. Extending liquor distribution to more islands, he warned, would increase alcohol addiction among youth and lead to law and order as well as social problems.

Congress committees in all islands have already submitted protest letters to the District Collector seeking withdrawal of the order. The party leadership has also stated that legal action will be initiated if corrective measures are not taken.