Kerala Extends Bar Timings Till Midnight

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has officially extended the operating hours of bars in the state by amending the Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953. As per the notification issued by the Taxes Department on February 13, 2026, bars holding FL-3 and FL-11 licences can now function from 10 am to 12 midnight. Earlier, the permitted timing was from 11 am to 11 pm.

The amendment has come into force with immediate effect. The revised rules also specify that FL-4A licensed premises will be allowed to operate from 11 am to 11 pm.

In addition, the government has permitted five-star and above classified bar hotels with FL-3 licences to remain open for an extra three hours beyond midnight. Such establishments can operate up to 3 am on payment of an additional annual rental of 5 lakh. However, this extended timing will not be allowed if the immediately succeeding day is a statutory dry day. In such cases, the bars must close at midnight.

Officials said the decision was taken considering long-standing demands from the tourism and hospitality sector. The revised timings are expected to benefit hotels hosting business events and conferences, especially in major tourism hubs.