Kerala liquor license issue: SC upholds new excise policy

New Delhi, Dec 29: The Supreme Court on Tuesday, Dec 29, upheld the decision of the Kerala Government to restrict the sale and drinking of liquor to 5 star hotels.

The decision of the Kerala government restricting the sale and consumption of liquor at the bars in five star hotels only was challenged before the Supreme Court.

A Bench comprising Justices Vikramjit Sen and Shiva Kirti Singh had reserved its verdict on the case in August. The Kerala Government had defended its policy and stated that those questioning the ban on sale of liquor at bars did not have the fundamental right to do so.

Following the ban, the matter was first heard by the Kerala High Court which upheld the decision of the government in an order dated March 31 2015. The Kerala government contended that liquor was available on the retail outlets and people can buy and drink at their homes.

OneIndia News