In a significant policy shift, the Kerala state government has amended its Foreign Liquor rules to permit the serving of alcoholic beverages in designated lounge areas within Information Technology (IT) parks. The notification, issued by the Department of Taxes, introduces a new “Foreign Liquor Information Technology Park Lounge Licence,” available for an annual fee of ₹10 lakh. The move is aimed at enhancing employee amenities and aligning the state’s IT infrastructure with global standards.
Under this amendment, the Excise Commissioner can grant licences exclusively to IT park developers, based on government orders. These lounges can serve liquor only to staff working within the IT park, and to official guests or visitors authorized by the companies housed in the park. Importantly, the lounge must be a distinct, separately accessed facility within the park, and not part of any office space.
Only liquor purchased from F.L.9 license holders may be served, ensuring strict regulation of supply chains. Eligible locations include government-owned parks like Technopark, Infopark, and Cyberpark, as well as PPP ventures such as Smart City Kochi and privately developed IT/ITES parks that meet policy definitions under the state’s IT Department.
However, there are clear restrictions. No liquor shall be served on certain solemn days including Gandhi Jayanti, Sree Narayana Guru’s birthday and Samadhi day, Good Friday, and during election periods. Additionally, sales will be prohibited on the first day of every calendar month and on the International Day Against Drug Abuse.
This progressive amendment is expected to modernize workplace amenities in Kerala’s tech sector while maintaining a responsible and regulated framework for alcohol distribution.
