Kerala extends bar hours at premium hotels to court weddings and MICE tourism

Select five-star-and-above licensed hotel bars can operate three additional hours beyond closing time for an annual fee, a move aimed at strengthening Kerala’s premium tourism, destination-wedding and MICE appeal.

— Filed Tue, 28 Jul, 2026, 16:22 IST · Source The Hindu BusinessLine · Updated

Kerala has allowed select five-star-and-above hotel bars to stay open three extra hours for an annual fee, aiming to strengthen destination weddings, MICE and premium hospitality. Industry seeks further New Year’s Eve and drinking-age relaxations.

Why this matters

The move follows Kerala allowing five-star hotel bars to stay open three hours later and comes amid a low-alcohol tax-cut dispute that could reshape beverage retail.

Footfall is steady at 504 signals over the past 90 days; no QoQ change figure was provided.