By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Mizoram government has introduced a mechanism that will allow certain residents to legally possess and consume India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) if recommended for health-related reasons.
Under new guidelines issued by the State Excise and Narcotics Department, individuals suffering from specific medical conditions can apply for a special authorisation known as a “Red Card.” The permit is being issued in accordance with provisions incorporated into the state’s amended liquor prohibition legislation.
Officials stated that application forms can be obtained from excise and narcotics offices located across Mizoram. Successful applicants will receive permission valid for 12 months after paying a prescribed fee of Rs 5,000.
The move stems from changes made to the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act by the State Assembly last year. The amendments sparked debate during the legislative session, with opposition parties expressing reservations over the proposed relaxations.
Apart from medical exemptions, the revised law also provides for special permits to be granted to visiting tourists and selected dignitaries.
In another significant change, the legislation permits the production and marketing of locally made wines and fruit-based beer manufactured from agricultural and horticultural produce grown within the state. Approved ingredients include a variety of fruits and crops such as pineapple, banana, dragon fruit, passion fruit, guava, jackfruit, sugarcane and several others cultivated by local farmers.
Mizoram has maintained strict restrictions on alcohol since the enforcement of the prohibition law in 2019 under the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) administration. The law prohibited the production, sale, import and consumption of alcoholic beverages across the state, making it one of the few dry states in the country.