Synopsis
On March 10, 2025, the Mizoram Assembly approved the Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, allowing local wine and beer production. The bill also grants permits for foreign liquor possession to tourists and dignitaries, despite protests from opposition parties.Key Takeaways
- Mizoram Assembly passes the liquor amendment bill.
- New law allows local wine and beer production.
- Special permits for foreign dignitaries and tourists.
- Opposition staged a walkout during the vote.
- Healthcare-related alcohol consumption red cards introduced.
Aizawl, March 10 (NationPress) In the face of opposition protests and a walkout, the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, 2025 was approved by the state assembly on Monday. This legislation permits the production and distribution of wine and local beer crafted exclusively from locally sourced agricultural and horticultural products.
The amendment also seeks to provide special licenses to foreign dignitaries, tourists, and domestic visitors for the possession and consumption of India-made foreign liquor.
The existing Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, which enforces a complete ban on the sale, possession, manufacture, and consumption of liquor—including wine and beer—was established by the preceding Mizo National Front (MNF) government in 2019.
Due to this law, Mizoram has been experiencing significant financial losses, amounting to crores of rupees from liquor sales. The Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government previously announced its intention to introduce the bill in March, but it was postponed due to objections from opposition parties, including the MNF.
In a show of strong dissent, all ten MNF legislators, two BJP members, and the sole Congress MLA staged a loud walkout before the bill was approved through a voice vote. Chief Minister Lalduhoma expressed regret regarding the opposition's collective walkout, stating that the opposition MLAs accused the government of ignoring their concerns about the amendment bill.
“In certain Muslim-majority nations with strict liquor bans, hotels, foreign dignitaries, and tourists can obtain special permits,” the Chief Minister informed the assembly.
“I am confident that the people of Mizoram will endorse this bill for the state's benefit,” he asserted.
Once enacted, tourists and foreign dignitaries, with the Excise Commissioner's approval, will be permitted to import Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Furthermore, if they need additional bottles, they will be able to acquire them from liquor that has been confiscated by the Excise Commissioner’s Office.
Moreover, individuals advised by healthcare professionals to consume alcohol for medical reasons will receive red cards, enabling them to purchase alcohol from the Excise Commissioner's Office.
