Kerala Govt Has Just Lifted The Ban On Bars, Liquor Will Soon Be Served In Hotels

Bars in Kerala are set to begin open once again as the state government has just decided that it will lift the ban announced by the previous government. This will allow three and four star hotels in the state to serve liquor.

Under the existing rules only five star hotels were allowed to serve liquor.

BCCL

With the policy change, 71 four-star hotels and 62 three-star hotels will be granted bar licences. This is in addition to the 30 five-star bars and 34 clubs which have licence to serve liquor.

The remaining 815 bars were converted into beer and wine parlours.

BCCL

As per the new regulations the bar timings have been changed from 11 am to 11 pm, from the existing 9:30 am to 10 pm.

Legal age for drinking has been raised from 21 to 23 years.

Calling the previous government's liquor policy which resulted in shutters down for majority of the bars, Kerala chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, said the prohibition only resulted in increase in consumption.

¡°LDF does not support prohibition but supports abstinence. After UDF's liquor policy was implemented, the use of drugs has increased. Give importance for campaigns that creates awareness among people, rehabilitation for those addicted to liquor. make proper treatment available.¡±

It was in August 2014, the then chief minister Oommen Chandy announced the liquor policy to allow only the five star hotels to serve liquor and aimed at a total prohibition in 10 years.

BCCL

The move was criticised by various groups who questioned the practicability of the ban.

It had also adverse impact on the state's revenues and the tourism industry. According to estimates Kerala tourism has suffered losses of around Rs 4,000 -5,000 crore since the ban was put in place.