Thiruvananthapuram: The Excise Department has granted permission to open beer and wine parlours at 74 additional tourism centres across Kerala. With these locations officially notified as tourism destinations by the department, classified restaurants in the surrounding villages can now apply for beer-wine licenses.

These new approvals build on the list of locations previously declared as tourism destinations by the Department of Tourism. Back in 2003, a similar notification included 15 locations, enabling classified restaurants there to acquire beer-wine licenses.

Subsequently, a proposal to notify 150 additional tourism centres was put forward to the Excise Department. From this, approval has now been granted to 74 locations, excluding pilgrimage tourism sites. This move aligns with the Foreign Liquor Rules and the Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules.

Currently, Kerala has over 200 operational beer parlours, many of which were bars that closed during the previous UDF government’s tenure. These later reopened after obtaining beer-wine licenses.

The state’s liquor policy includes provisions for granting beer and wine licenses to restaurants in designated tourism zones for specific time periods. Instead of an annual fee of Rs. 4 lakh, these establishments are required to remit fees based on the duration of their license.

Additionally, there is an ongoing proposal to upgrade KTDC-operated beer parlours into full-fledged bars in a phased manner. The KTDC currently runs over 60 beer parlours statewide.

Newly notified locations
Thiruvananthapuram: Ponmudi, Poovar, Chovvara, Veli Tourist Village, Anakkulam Tourist Village, Neyyar Dam, Vikramapuram Hills, Kappil
Kollam: Thenmala-Palaruvi, Paravoor-Thekkumbhagom, Kollam Beach, Munroe Island, Thankassery, Jadayu Rock, Ashtamudi

Pathanamthitta: Perumthenaruvi, Gavi, Konni Eco-tourism Centre (Elephant Safari Training Centre)
Alappuzha: Alappuzha, Alappuzha Lake, Kakkathuruthu Island, Pathiramanal Island
Kottayam: Vaikom, Kodimatha
Idukki: Parunthumpara, Panjalimedu, Amappara-Ramakkalmedu, Mattupetty, Eravikulam, Chinnakanal, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Vagamon

Ernakulam: Kochi, Kalady, Malayattoor-Manappattuchira, Kuzhuppally-Cherayi-Munambam Beach, Bhoothathankettu Dam, Kumbalangi, Kadamakkudi, Muziris Heritage Zone
Thrissur: Snehatheeram Beach, Nattika Beach, Thumboormuzhy Dam, Poomala Dam, Athirappilly, Malakkappara
Palakkad: Parambikulam, Nelliyampathy, Malampuzha, Silent Valley
Malappuram: Kottakunnu Hill, Ponnani, Thirunavaya

Kozhikode: Kozhikode Beach, Kappad, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Kakkayam, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Iringal Craft Village, Beypore Fort and Beach
Wayanad: Kuruva Island, Edakkal Caves, Pookode Lake, Pazhassiraja Park, Wayanad Heritage Museum, Thirunelli, Bathery, Phantom Rock
Kannur: Palakkayam Thattu, Paithalmala, Thalassery, Dharmadam, Kottiyur
Kasaragod: Kottappuram