Serving liquor only with health approval: Excise Dept.

Though some restaurants and hotels have been allowed to sell liquor, they should specifically obtain the approval of the health authorities if they wish to serve liquor inside the premises, the Excise Department said.

It said the Sri Lanka Tourism Develpment Authority was given approval to operate some hotels and restaurants where they can sell liquor with the approval of the health authorities and in line with the Quarantine Act.

“However, if these hotels and restaurants wish to serve liquor, then they should obtain the approval from health authorities specifically for that purpose,” Deputy Commissioner of Excise Kapila Kumarasinghe said.

Meanwhile, he reiterated that selling liquor and operating liquor shops would only be allowed under the approval of the health authorities despite the approval given to operate liquor shops.

He said under the Excise Act, selling liquor was not prohibited and liquor shops are permitted to open.

“However, according to the Quarantine Act, liquor shops are allowed to operate only under the instructions and approval of the health authorities,” he said.