Locals throng bars after govt reopens 77 outlets in Kerala

In a ‘triumphant’ day for the locals who relish the occasional peg or two, as many as 77 bars were reopened across the state after the liquor policy was renewed by the Government led by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

As of Saturday, 81 liquor bars submitted applications to the excise department, out which 77 were reopened on Sunday. Out of these, the maximum bars were Ernakulam-based, while Idukki had the least number.

The government is also proposing to open local toddy shops that were earlier sealed. Elated customers, who rushed into bars to commemorate the new policy, said it was better to drink in bars than at home in front of their families.

“We enjoy drinking on happy occasions. It is better that the government reopened these bars. Now we will not have to feel guilty about drinking in front of our children and leaving a negative impression in their minds,” said Saji, a local.

Another local, Ajeesh, felt that the government’s policy will help reduce the expenditure on liquor, adding that the old policy certainly did not curb liquor consumption in the state.

In the recent past, a consolidated report on liquor consumption patterns in India showed that Kerala ranks highest in the list of alcohol consumption in India, so much so that the liquor ban forced people to cross state borders to fulfill their intoxication requirements!

The previous Congressled United Democratic Front (UDF) government in 2014 banned the sale of Indian Made Foreign liquor (IMFL), except in five star hotels, which led to the closure of over 700 liquor bars below the five star category across the state. Eventually, some of them were suggested to be re-instated as beer and wine parlors.

According to reports, the policy severely hampered tourism in the state, and huge amount of losses of revenue were incurred.

Citing this to be their main agenda of their election manifesto, the Left-led government capitalized on the opportunity at hand and announced a liberalisation of the existing liquor policy in the state. Under the implications of the new policy, three and four-star hotels will now be allowed to sell liquor.

Although the locals have extended support, the government has received flak from the Opposition, who has termed the new policy to be a ‘failure’. Similarly, social activists have also condemned alcoholism to be the main reason for heinous crimes like sexual violence, abuse, and so on.