The Regulation that replaced Lakshadweep's 1979 prohibition law, before this week's tourism rules

Background

The tourism trade Regulation promulgated for Lakshadweep this week follows an earlier change to the islands' liquor law. The Lakshadweep Excise Regulation, 2026, notified in June 2026, replaced the Lakshadweep Prohibition Regulation, 1979.

The new Regulation allows regulated liquor sales across the archipelago under a licensing system covering import, transport, sale, purchase and consumption. Government-owned agencies may take licences to import and retail alcohol. An outlet must be at least 50 metres from a school, hospital, orphanage or place of worship, and sale to anyone under 21 is prohibited.