No more alcohol in Kerala: Setback for liquor owners, high court upholds govt's ban

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 30: In a major setback for liquor dealer in Kerala, the High Court on Thursday, Oct 30 upheld government's liquor prohibition policy partially. The court gave permission to certain establishments to serve alcohol on their premises.

Total 83 petitions were submitted by bar owners who challenged Kerala government's decision to close down bars in the state.

Upholding the government's previous decision of imposing ban on alcohol, the court claimed that only five-star, four-star and four-star heritage hotels will be allowed to serve liquor. The court has said that two and three star hotels cannot operate liquor bars.

The bar owners, who were disappointed after hearing the high court's order, claimed that they will move the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of government's order.

Kerala has around 21 five star hotel bars, 33 four star hotels with bars and 8 heritage bars. The court has struck down Kerala government's decision that only five star hotels can have bars in their premises.

OneIndia News