Taking an idealistic view of Kerala government's liquor ban, the Supreme Court on Thursday said long, snaking queues outside Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) outlets will dampen youngsters’ urge and wean them away from alcohol.
A Bench of Justice Vikramjit Sen and Justice Shiva Kirti Singh observed that a dip in availability of alcohol would reduce the tendency to drink in the State. Through these remarks, the Bench seemed to send a signal of prima facie support to the State government’s policy to allow only five-star hotels serve liquor.
The bench asked how prohibition in a phased manner, meant to reduce liquor’s hold over Kerala society, would do any harm. In fact, it asked whether holding bar licences was a fundamental right at all.Showing confidence in the State's wisdom to the policy, the court remarked that the government would have definitely considered the pros and cons beforehand.
A marked decrease in the number of shops selling alcohol would see queues lengthen outside beverage shops. At least some would be deterred and lose interest rather than rough it out in such queues, the court said.
Justice Sen said every State government desires an “ideal society” without crime. Every State has the right to make an effort to realise this ideal, however improbable it may seem.
