Kerala cabinet ratifies new liquor policy

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 27: The

on Wednesday ratified the new

of the Congress-led UDF government which envisaged to shut down bars attached to hotels below the five-star category as part of its plans to reduce availability of liquor. The cabinet, however deferred a decision on issues related to licences to beer and wine parlours and elite clubs that serve liquor.

Several matters, including issues related to beer and wine parlours and clubs serving liquor, has to incorporate in the new policy, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters during cabinet briefing here. These issues would be taken up at the next cabinet meeting, Chandy said, adding, the ruling UDF had taken a strong decision now to close down of about 730 bars.

The ruling UDF had decided to close down about 730 bars, said CM Chandy

Meanwhile, as part of new policy, 312 bars attached to hotels below the five-star category would be served notices on Thursday asking them to close their bars by September 12. Apart from closing down 312 bars, the government had also decided not to renew licences of 418 bars that remained shut since April for want of required facilities.

The radical policy shift to sharply cut down on liquor trade was taken by the UDF leadership meet last week when it met consider the fate of the 418 closed bars.

PTI