The Hindu : `Govt.'s liquor policy flawed'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 24, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

`Govt.'s liquor policy flawed'

By Our Staff Reporter

KOLLAM APRIL 23. The State president of the pro-INTUC National Toddy and Tapping Industry Workers Federation, N. Azhakeshan, has said that the liquor policy of the State Government is a flop.

At a press conference here today, he said the Federation was of the view that all forms of liquor, except toddy, should be banned in the State.

But if that was impossible, the State Government should opt for the reintroduction of arrack on an experimental basis in selected areas by selling arrack through the Kerala State Beverages Corporation outlets.

Mr. Azhakeshan said in spite of the ban on arrack in force, nothing much was being done for countering the menace of spirit sales. The closure of toddy shops has in fact helped the hooch lobby to boost their sales. For this purpose, they are often seen taking control over the closed shops to stock and sell spirit from there. The Government should seriously ponder over bringing about a total change in the liquor policy, he said. It is puzzling that instead of organising agitations against the hooch and spirit trade activities, the prohibition activists are specifically targeting the toddy shops. The trend of setting toddy shops ablaze whenever a liquor tragedy took place would only help the hooch mafia, he said.

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