Minister for Excise and Ports K. Babu told the Assembly on Monday that there was no question of the government going back on its liquor policy aimed at bringing down liquor consumption and implementing prohibition in a phased manner in 10 years.
Replying to questions in the House, Mr. Babu said the availability of liquor had come down and that the exchequer had not suffered any loss of income as taxes were hiked after the new policy was announced. The sales in Bevco outlets on Saturday had gone up by 40 per cent as Sunday had been declared as dry day, he said. The average income of the outlets was Rs.34 crore. The dry day was not applicable to toddy shops.
Stating that there would be no dilution of the liquor policy, the Excise Minister said the government would examine the problems being faced by the tourism industry, especially the MICE sector.
The government would not open any new Bevco outlet and would file an affidavit in the High Court on shifting/closing down of the 115 outlets functioning along National Highways and State Highways.
A committee had been set up under the Excise Commissioner to rehabilitate the 7,110 employees who had been rendered jobless. A sum of Rs.10,000 would be given to them during Christmas and New Year. The kin of the 10 who had committed suicide would be given Rs.10 lakh.
