Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan on Sunday alleged large-scale corruption behind the renewal of bar licences by the government.
In a statement here, the Opposition leader noted that bar hotel owners had approached the Supreme Court alleging injustice in the renewal of licences. The Tourism Department was the agency entrusted with the classification of hotels. However, 418 bars were denied licences on the basis of inspection conducted by the Excise Department.
He alleged that the department officials had favoured certain bars and those of relatives of Ministers while reporting that some other bars lacked standards. There was corruption behind this. Moreover, the department was making moves to sanction new bar licences to 11 large hotels. This move was being made considering the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle after the elections.
Mr. Achuthanandan demanded that urgent financial assistance should be given to the workers of 418 bars who had lost their jobs following their closure.
