Government is reluctant to close bars as it is a major source of state income Kerala not to shut bars, liquor retail outlets

Giving a major relief to tipplers in Kerala in the wake of Covid-19, the Kerala government has decided not to close bars, beer parlours and retail outlets even as the decision drew flak from doctors’ associations and antiliquor activists.

The Opposition parties, Indian Medical Association and antiliquor campaign activists had raised the demand for closing down bars, liquor retail outlets as they feared it could result in the spread of Covid–19.

However, the government has rejected the demand and directed bar owners to take precautionary measures like increasing the gap between tables, sanitizing, disinfecting interiors of bars and keeping alcohol-based hand wash.

The government is reluctant to close bars as it is a major source of income. During 2018-19 the government sold liquor worth `14,504.67 cr. The total sales registered an

The government has rejected the demand and directed bar owners to take precautionary measures like increasing the gap between tables, sanitizing, disinfecting interiors of bars and keeping alcohol-based hand wash.

increase `1,567 crore liquor worth `12,937 was sold in 2017-18.

According to studies, 31 per cent males, 3 per cent women and 5 per cent

as cr below the age of 21 years consume liquor in Kerala.

Over one lakh people are totally addicted to alcohol.

Excise minister T.P. Ramakrishnan said shutting of bars and liquor outlets could cause more problems.

“We all know what happened when arrack (local liquor) and bars were shut in Kerala,” he said while indirectly referring to the hooch tragedy which claimed many lives and the increase in substance abuse.

“We rush will cut down the at outlets, queues will be regulated complying with the instructions of health department,” he added. However, the IMA state leadership said social distancing along with hand washing is crucial for preventing the spread of virus. Closed environment in bars and air-conditioned rooms increase the possibility of virus transmission.

Anti-liquor activists say people coming to beer bars and liquor outlets belong to high risk group. There is no social distancing near cash and delivery counters. Many other states and countries have shut bars and liquor vends. Kerala should also follow suit.

Kerala has 270 beverages outlets run by State Beverages Corporation, 36 outlets of Consumerfed, 570 bars and 365 beer and wine parlours.

Also, in view of the alert sounded by Indian Council for Medical Research on possible spurt in the cases in the coming days, the government has taken several measures to step up surveillance besides appealing to the people not to lower their guard.

The attempt to make some money in the name of coronavirus proved costly for a restaurant owner in Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.

The restaurant owner was arrested by police for putting up a board ‘Anti Corona juice’ available.

The restaurant owner, who is a foreigner, was taken into custody for a brief period and issued strict warning against repeating such acts before being let off. The

60-year-old person of British origin has been running the restaurant ‘Coffee Temple’ for many years near.

The juice made of ginger, lemon, gooseberry was named as ‘anti corona’ drink. A glass of juice was priced at `150.

Varkala which is an international tourist spot, had reported a

Covid-19 positive case recently.

It may be recalled that an Italian tourist who stayed in a resort was tested positive. The tourist had visited various places in the town and reportedly attended a temple festival thus coming into close contact with a large number of people.

Officials said there was already scare among the people in the town due to Italian tourist irresponsible behavior.

The restaurant owner might have thought of cashing in on the fear prevailing among people over community spread.