The Kerala government has announced an extension of operating hours for bars and beer and wine parlours by two hours, allowing them to open from 10 a.m. to midnight. Additionally, FL3-licensed bar hotels with a five-star rating or higher will be permitted to operate until 3 a.m., with an extra three hours beyond the standard closing time, subject to an annual fee of ₹5 lakh.
The move, issued via an extraordinary gazette on February 17, 2026, is aimed at promoting MICE tourism, destination weddings, international conferences, and other events. Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh said the change standardises timings for all bars in the state, noting that establishments in tourist areas were already allowed to operate until midnight. Bars across the state have a uniform licence fee of ₹35 lakh, but operators outside tourist destinations had long sought parity. The government also referenced practices in other South Indian states, where bar hours vary from 9 a.m. to midnight or later, depending on the city and hotel classification.
The decision has sparked controversy ahead of the Assembly elections. The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council criticized the policy, questioning whether the liberalisation is politically motivated and urging the government not to promote alcohol under the guise of tourism. The Church plans to observe Anti-Alcohol Sunday on March 8, with programmes across Syro-Malabar, Latin, and Malankara rites. The Opposition’s response has been mixed, with some support earlier but later criticism of the timing and intent of the policy change.
