Thiruvananthapuram: In a move aimed at promoting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding tourism, the state government has amended the Kerala Foreign Liquor Rules to allow the serving of liquor in hotels on the first day of every month. The amendment provides an exemption to the existing rule that designates the first day of each month as a dry day.

With a notification to this effect issued, liquor can now be served in hotels from August 1 onwards, based on permission granted by the Excise Commissioner. The rule amendment aligns with a proposal in the state’s new liquor policy. However, if the first day of an English month coincides with any other government-notified dry day, this exemption will not apply.

The exemption is applicable to three-star, four-star, five-star, heritage, heritage grand, heritage classic, and boutique hotels as classified by the Centre. Boutique hotels are luxury establishments that reflect local culture or history and are uniquely designed. Resorts located in the high-range and coastal zones fall within this category.

To avail of the exemption, an application detailing the conference or wedding reception to be held at the hotel on the first day of the respective month must be submitted to the Excise Commissioner at least seven days in advance. The fee for granting a one-day license is ₹50,000.

Liquor can be served only in this function, and hotels without a bar licence can also apply for this single-day permission.

The announcement with regard to granting exemption to dry days on the first day of every month was made during the latest liquor policy by the LDF Government after those in the tourism industry pointed to the difficulties it caused to the MICE segment, as well as destination weddings.