Toddy to be Kerala's signature drink; three-star hotels can sell palm wine with permit

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is set to make toddy its signature drink. Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh announced that the government aims to modernize toddy shops while maintaining the existing distance limit of 400 meters. He emphasized that there are no plans to reduce this limit.

The minister announced the 2025-26 liquor policy, stating that the government is focused on promoting alcohol abstinence and controlling the spread of drugs. Measures to prevent alcoholism, including other chemical intoxication, are being strengthened. Toddy shops will be upgraded to family-friendly dining spaces, with classifications introduced based on the bar hotel model.

Hotels with three-star classification or higher in designated tourism centers will be allowed to operate toddy parlours. These parlours can source toddy from shops within the same excise range, subject to a permit from the Excise CI at a fee of Rs. 2 per litre. Only tourists will be allowed to sell toddy in these parlours, with plans to involve workers' groups from the toddy industry in managing the operations.

Hotels and resorts with three-star status or above can also obtain toddy through permits issued by the Excise Deputy Commissioner to sell it to the public. Amendments will allow toddy to be exported in bottles and used for value-added products. The daily allowable quantity of toddy extraction will be revised from the current limit of two liters. Star hotels will continue selling toddy under the name Kerala Toddy.

A special one-day permit will be issued to serve foreign liquor under certain conditions on the first dry day. This permit, costing Rs. 50,000, will be available for events like business meetings, international conferences, and weddings in three-star hotels, heritage resorts, and classic resorts. Applications for this permit must be submitted seven days in advance. Exemptions will not apply to statutory dry days except the first day.

The establishment of new liquor manufacturing units and wineries will be permitted, along with an exemption for selling horti-wines exclusively through Bevco. Bevco has also been authorized to export liquor through agencies approved by the Lakshadweep government. Exported liquor will face increased taxes. QR codes will become mandatory on liquor bottles. Local cruise ships will be allowed to serve liquor, extending permissions currently available only for luxury ships.