In another swift move, the government on Friday approved the liquor policy recommended by the high power committee of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and decided to close down this year itself the 312 two, three and four-star bars that are functioning.
The decision was taken after a meeting Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Excise Minister K. Babu had with the Excise Commissioner and Secretaries of Law and Taxes. The High Court will be informed of the policy on August 26. The decision to close down the 312 bar hotels is on the basis of legal advice, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters.
The licence fee collected from the 312 bars will be proportionately cut on the basis of the remaining days and the money will be returned. A sum of Rs.45 crore is needed for this. The unsold liquor in these bars will also be taken back by giving the price.
“There is no need to wait till March 31. The department had been asked to complete the steps at the earliest,” he said in reply to a query.
39 outlets to be closedBringing down the retail outlets of Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) and that of Consumefed by 10 per cent annually will come into effect from October 2 this year. As many as 34 of the 338 outlets of Bevco and five of the 46 outlets of Consumerfed will be closed down every year. The observance of Sundays as ‘dry’ day will come into effect from October 5.
Liquor prices will go up as a five per cent cess will be levied from the buyers. The money will go to the fund to be floated by the Excise Department for creating awareness and rehabilitation of the workers of bars who will be rendered jobless.
The department will create Kerala Alcohol Education Research and Campaign Fund in treasury to which all sections in society can contribute.
Replying to a query, the Chief Minster said clubs would also come under the purview of the new policy. The Cabinet will further debate on this when the policy is being ratified. The ongoing scrutiny of 418 bars as per the High Court directive would go on till August 26.
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