Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant relaxation of liquor rules, the Kerala government will now allow top-class hotels to serve alcohol on the first day of every month for approved events such as international conferences, corporate meetings, social functions, and wedding receptions. 

This exemption applies to hotels rated three stars and above, as well as heritage, grand, classic and boutique hotels. The tourism department defines boutique hotels as small, upscale establishments that showcase local history and cultural themes.

To serve alcohol on the first day of the month, eligible hotels must obtain a one-day permit by applying to the Excise Commissioner. Applications must include details of the event and should be submitted at least seven days before the event. The special licence carries a fee of Rs 50,000.

The revised rules follow an earlier amendment to the state’s liquor policy, which had previously designated the first day of every English month as a dry day. That restriction has now been lifted specifically for the tourism and hospitality sectors. The new provisions have been notified by the liquor policy approved by the state cabinet on 9 April.

Officials clarified that this relaxation applies only to the first day of the month and only for permitted event-based exemptions. No special licences will be issued for other dry days declared by the government, even if they fall on the first.

The decision comes amid longstanding complaints from the tourism industry, which argued that monthly dry days were hurting Kerala’s competitiveness as a destination for international events, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism, and high-end weddings.

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ITC Hotels (NSE:ITCHOTELS) First Quarter 2026 Results

Key Financial Results

• Net income: ₹1.33b (up by ₹1.32b from 1Q 2025).
• EPS: ₹0.64 (up from ₹0.017 in 1Q 2025).

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All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

ITC Hotels Revenues and Earnings Beat Expectations

Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 7.4%. Earnings per share (EPS) also surpassed analyst estimates by 28%.

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 14% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 17% growth forecast for the Hospitality industry in India.

Performance of the Indian Hospitality industry.

The company’s shares are up 9.6% from a week ago.

Balance Sheet Analysis

While it’s very important to consider the profit and loss statement, you can also learn a lot about a company by looking at its balance sheet. We’ve done some analysis and you can see our take on ITC Hotels’ balance sheet.

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Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ITC Hotels — Classic Golf and Country Club — to start Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP).

MDU Registrar Krishan Kant and ITC vice-president Pradeep Kumar signed the agreement in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajbir Singh.

“With the MoU, MDU has become the first public university in the country to start such a professional degree programme in collaboration with the prestigious hotel group. Our aim has always been to provide quality, contemporary and employment-oriented education and the MoU will not only provide the students the opportunity to connect with the actual working system of the hotel industry, but will also make them employable,” said Prof Rajbir.

Prof Harish Kumar, Dean, Academic Affairs, said the partnership is the beginning of a new chapter in the Indian higher education system. “This model can become a source of inspiration for other universities, which will further strengthen the collaboration between education and industry,” Prof Kumar maintained.

AEDP Implementation Nodal Officer Prof Santosh Tiwari said the courses had been prepared in accordance with the principles of NEP, which is a meaningful effort towards reducing the gap between education and industry.