Thiruvananthapuram: The government has issued an order extending the operating hours of bars as part of the state’s New Year celebrations, taking into account the expected influx of tourists.

On Wednesday, 31 December, bars will be permitted to remain open until midnight. The operating hours for beer and wine parlours have also been extended until 12 midnight. The government has issued a special order granting this exemption.

The Kerala government has meanwhile invited the public to propose a brand name and logo for a new brandy to be produced at the state-run Malabar Distilleries Limited in Menonpara, Palakkad.

This initiative is part of the government’s plan to launch an Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) brandy through the distillery. Members of the public are encouraged to participate and share their creative ideas.

How to Submit Entries

Suggestions for the brand name and logo can be emailed to malabardistilleries@gmail.com. The deadline for submissions is 7 January 2026.