The Kerala government has issued an order giving effect to the new liquor policy. Accordingly, the bar licence issued to all hotels excluding those with five-star rating will be cancelled. Outlets of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation and Consumerfed will be closed down at the rate of 10 per cent every year.
A cess of five per cent will be levied on liquor to fund a special scheme, named Punarjani 2030, to rehabilitate bar employees and alcohol addicts.
A public campaign against liquor and observance of Sundays as dry days have been mentioned in the order. The Kerala Alcohol Education Research, Rehabilitation and Compensation Fund will be floated to rehabilitate employees in the liquor trade and victims of alcohol and carry out a campaign against liquor.
