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Alcohol — India

What travelers need to know about alcohol in India. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.

Short answer

Alcohol in India: allowed only under specific conditions.

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CONDITIONAL

Each Indian state sets its own alcohol laws; some sell alcohol only for medicinal use or require a liquor permit, a few states (e.g. Gujarat, Bihar) are dry, and legal drinking ages range 18–25.

Penalties for violating state alcohol laws can be harsh (fines/detention).

§ US State Dept — India

Verified Jul 22, 2026

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LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.