On the first of the month, yes, with a permit. Since 1 August 2025 classified hotels in Kerala can apply for a one-day licence to serve liquor at a wedding reception that day. The fee is ₹50,000 and the application goes to the Excise Commissioner at least seven days ahead. A new liquor policy is due by end November 2026.
What is the rule?
The first day of every month is a dry day in Kerala. In April 2025 the Cabinet approved a liquor policy that let hotels above the three-star category serve liquor on dry days when they host a wedding or an international conference, with prior approval from the Excise Commissioner, as Onmanorama reported on 9 April 2025. The Kerala Foreign Liquor Rules were then amended, and Onmanorama set out the details on 19 July 2025:
- Who can apply: three-star, four-star and five-star hotels, and heritage, heritage grand, heritage classic and boutique hotels, as classified by the Centre. A hotel without a bar licence can also apply for the single day.
- For what: a conference or a wedding reception at the hotel. Liquor can be served only at that function.
- Fee: ₹50,000 for the one-day licence.
- Notice: an application to the Excise Commissioner with the event details, at least seven days in advance.
- Limit: if the 1st is also another government-notified dry day, the exemption does not apply.
Service under the amended rules was allowed from 1 August 2025.
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What is changing now?
Kerala has had a new government since May 2026. PTI reported on 8 November 2026 that Excise Minister M Liju had said the new liquor policy would be presented by the end of the month, and that on 7 November the officer holding charge as Excise Commissioner told deputy commissioners not to issue fresh liquor licences until the 2026-27 policy is framed. The report does not say whether one-day permissions for events come under that instruction. As of 15 November 2026 the new policy had not been announced.
What does this mean for your wedding date?
If a function falls on the 1st of a month, for example 1 December 2026 or 1 January 2027, and you want a bar, ask the hotel three things in writing: whether it is in a category that can apply, whether it will make the application and by what date, and who pays the fee. Ask again after the new policy is announced, because the rule you are relying on comes from the previous policy.
The exemption is for the function. The 2025 policy kept dry-day restrictions in place for state-run outlets and regular bars, so guests cannot buy their own that day.
The amended rules as reported cover the first of the month. For any other notified dry day, ask the hotel what applies and keep the answer with your contract.
Where the muhurtham allows, the simpler route is to hold the reception or the cocktail evening on a date other than the 1st.
Continue planning
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Common questions
Is the first of every month a dry day in Kerala?
Yes. The 2025 amendment to the Kerala Foreign Liquor Rules created an exemption for classified hotels that host a conference or a wedding reception on that day and hold a one-day licence.
How much is the one-day licence for a wedding on a dry day in Kerala?
₹50,000 for the one-day licence, as Onmanorama reported on 19 July 2025. Check the current fee once the 2026-27 liquor policy is announced.
Can a resort without a bar licence serve liquor at a reception on the 1st?
The 2025 rules let a hotel without a bar licence apply for the single-day permission if it is in an eligible classification. Whether a particular resort qualifies is for the resort to confirm in writing.
Has Kerala announced its 2026-27 liquor policy?
Not as of 15 November 2026. PTI reported on 8 November 2026 that the Excise Minister expected to present it by the end of November.
