Mizoram issues liquor permits on health grounds under amended prohibition law

 Mizoram issues liquor permits on health grounds under amended prohibition law From : Isaac Zoramsanga Copy Editor (RNU), Akashvani News, Aizawl Date : 03.06.2026 Phone : 8131823773 Mizoram government has notified rules allowing eligible residents to consume and possess liquor on health grounds under Section 45B(1) of the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2025. Applicants for the permit, known as a “Red Card,” must pay a ₹50 application fee and an annual fee of ₹5,000. The permit allows holders to consume and possess a prescribed quantity of liquor in the otherwise dry state. The move comes months after the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government amended the state’s prohibition law in March 2025.

The amendment also legalized the production of wine and beer from locally grown fruits, including grapes, dragon fruit, pineapple, guava, amla, and banana, to support farmers and boost agricultural income. Mizoram has enforced various forms of prohibition since 1972, largely influenced by strong church support for dry laws. While previous governments introduced limited relaxations, including grape wine production, the latest amendment marks a broader easing of restrictions under the state’s long-standing prohibition regime.