Over the past year, an increasing number of restaurants in Sri Lanka have adopted BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) policies. BYOB means Bring Your Own Bottle, and the customers can bring alcohol and consume it at such places.
BYOB dining is not unique to Sri Lanka—it’s a growing global trend across Europe, North America, and Asia. It caters to consumers seeking affordability, flexibility, and a more personalised dining experience.
For Sri Lanka, the trend meshes perfectly with tourism. Tourists can enjoy quality meals while bringing familiar beverages. While not replacing full-service bars, BYOB spots enrich Sri Lanka’s culinary landscape.
Under Sri Lanka’s Excise Ordinance (Chapter 52), liquor is an “excisable article,” and its import, transport, possession, and sale are tightly regulated. Licensed premises (with FL‑11 and FL‑22B) are permitted to serve alcohol between restricted hours and can collect corkage fees.
Deputy Commissioner of Sri Lanka Excise Department, Roshan Perera, pointed out in the Neethiyata Idak programme of Derana 24 TV, that BYOB is not illegal, under the 1912 Excise Ordinance, which needs reform. Under the Ordinance, the Minister of Finance has power to set regulations regarding the amount of alcohol a person can keep in possession. Accordingly, a person can buy, keep and transport only 10 bottles of arrack (7.5 litres) whereas the limit for foreign liquor is 80 litres.
However, police and excise authorities remain wary since BYOB undermines excise revenues and may violate volume limits. Without supervision, some fear patrons may bring unregulated or locally distilled spirits, posing health and legal risks.
