Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: Mizoram officials cleared 11 applicants for local fruit beer manufacturing on Wednesday, August 19. The Selection Committee met under Chief Minister Lalduhoma to process licenses under the 2025 Liquor Prohibition Amendment Act. The state received 99 total applications, consisting of 96 for fruit beer and three for new wineries.
Officials scrutinized technical manpower, financial health, and equipment. They also checked for food safety compliance. Another 13 applicants remain under review for additional scrutiny. The committee decided to keep the application window open for new entries. Lalduhoma expects the move to help local farmers. "The initiative should create better market opportunities for farmers and enable them to obtain remunerative prices for locally grown fruits and agricultural produce."
The board now demands a formal Standard Operating Procedure for all license holders. They ordered training programs and site visits to share best practices. Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar joined the meeting alongside experts from Mizoram University and the departments of Horticulture, Industries, and Food and Drugs.
Updated at 20th August 2026 at 2:00pm
The committee evaluated whether proposed units could remain viable while relying strictly on fruit and produce grown within Mizoram. Officials also confirmed that the selection process included face to face interviews with the applicants.
The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Act passed the state Assembly on March 10, 2025. The law ended a five year prohibition period that started in 2019 under the Mizo National Front. Beyond local beer and wine, the law grants special permits for foreign dignitaries and domestic tourists, along with medical Red Card permits for residents.
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