Daijiworld Media Network - Aizawl

Aizawl, Mar 11: The Mizoram Assembly on Monday passed the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, 2025, despite strong opposition protests and a walkout by MNF, BJP, and Congress MLAs.

The bill seeks to permit the manufacture and supply of wine and local beer using locally grown agricultural and horticultural products. It also proposes special permits for foreign dignitaries, tourists, and domestic visitors to possess and consume India-made foreign liquor (IMFL).

Currently, the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, enforced in 2019 by the previous MNF government, imposes a blanket ban on liquor sale, possession, manufacture, and consumption. The Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government had earlier planned to introduce the amendment in March but faced strong opposition from rival parties, leading to a delay.

As the bill was tabled, all ten MNF legislators, two BJP MLAs, and the lone Congress MLA staged a noisy walkout in protest. Expressing regret over the opposition’s exit, Chief Minister Lalduhoma said that the bill was introduced in the state’s best interest, citing examples of liquor regulations in some Muslim countries where special permits are granted to tourists and dignitaries.

Once enacted, the amendment will allow foreign dignitaries and tourists with excise commissioner’s approval to import IMFL. Additionally, those requiring alcohol for medical reasons can obtain a red card, permitting them to buy liquor from the excise commissioner's office.

The state government argues that the amendment will help recover significant revenue lost due to the existing prohibition law.