Kerala: between liquor and policy…!
Kerala: between liquor and policy…!Recently, we have noticed a strong political will to reduce the availability of liquor in the market which is considered to be a welcome change. On March 31this year,when the annual renewal of license come for 752 bars Govt has renewed only 334 bar licenses,418 bars remained shut citing the unhealthy conditions . As a result, crime rate and other social evils are reduced considerably.
In absence of liquor policy, bar owners challenged the decision in court of closing of selected bar hotels and court directed the Govt to come with clear policy to deliver the verdict.
The catch of the issue is revenue from the sale of liquor. Will the Govt be able to discard Rs 8000 crores revenue by drafting the policy of gradual implementation of total prohibition? Or go with the cash ignoring the public health? We have to wait…!
