Kerala eases liquor rules
The Kerala state government has announced a new liquor policy that allows bar licences to restaurants in three-star and above hotels, and the sale of toddy in these. Rumours have it that the liquor policy of the previous Congress-led government — which allowed bar licence to only hotels at five-star or above category — was a failure. While announcing the policy, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the previous one was impractical and led to growth of the illicit liquor business. Also, toddy being the local liquor (made from coconut tree), tourists are said to be interested in tasting it. Apart from that, restaurants with FL-3 and FL-2 licences may supply liquor in banquet halls by paying a special fee. The age limit for consumption of liquor has been raised to 23 years.
While the state will comply with Supreme Court’s order to end liquor sale and supply within 500 metres of any state or national highway, the outlets that existed in these areas before April 1, 2017, would be allowed to open again in the permissible area in the same taluk. The timing of outlets, however, has been reduced to 12 hours, except for tourist destinations.
