Sale of liquor to foreign nationals permitted in NLTP Act, says Nagaland CM

KOHIMA: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday proposed to allow sale of liquor to foreign nationals coming to the state which, he said, is permitted within the ambit of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, by certain hotels of star category.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday proposed to allow sale of liquor to foreign nationals coming to the state, which he said, has provision under “Special Permits to Foreign Sovereign” in Para 16 of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989.

He said this in his budget speech for the financial year 2023-2024 at the ongoing session of the 14th NLA.

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Informing that Nagaland will be hosting a large number of foreign delegates for the G20 Business Summit from April 4 to the 6th in Kohima, Rio said serving of liquor to foreign delegates and their associates is permissible under the NLTP Act.

He also underscored the need to allow sale of liquor to foreigners and their associates to give further push to tourism.

Read: Nagaland set to host G20 Business Summit; about 110 delegates from various countries expected

Rio later clarified at a press conference that the government is neither relaxing nor lifting the NLTP Act in the state, except implementing what is permissible under the law for foreign nationals, while expressing hope that the people will not misunderstand it.

When asked about the possibility of lifting the prohibition, Rio said it depends on the people and they wanted ban. He, however, said that he had earlier shared about making it practical as people have started drinking sub-standard liquors, which is very harmful, following the prohibition.

Meanwhile, he informed that till Sunday, as many as 39 countries have registered to participate in the G20 Summit and more countries may come forward.

Further, he said that alcohol will be made available in the hotels hosting the delegates and the government will regulate it.

The Para 16 of the NLTP Act read: “The State Government and the Director may grant permit on such conditions and for such periods as may be specified for the use and consumption of liquor by any person who is- (a) a sovereign or Head of foreign country, or (b) an Ambassador, Diplomatic envoy or counsel, Honorary Counsel or trade, commerce or other representatives of a foreign country, or (c) a foreign national on tour to India, and (d) the consort of any person specified in Clause (a), (b), (c) or any relation of such person and dependent upon him.”