Policing and enforcement have always helped in greater awareness of pitfalls (“Kerala’s new liquor policy on hold,” Sept. 12). An example is drunken driving in Kerala. Most drivers are now aware of the need to wear seat belts and helmets. The court ruling on darkened automobile windows is another example. One can think of smoking too.
A strong law in Kerala to book those guilty of misbehaving or causing social disorder after visiting a bar, with a quarantine period from 24 hours to a 21-day stay at an alcohol de-addiction facility, will send out a strong signal. Kerala, with 100 per cent literacy, must now move forward and embrace prohibition wholeheartedly.
Donald DCruz,Kollam
The fact is that alcoholism is on the rise in Kerala among all sections of society and is causing immense social and health problems. The Kerala government’s decision was made taking the well-being of the population at large into consideration. If it had gone ahead, the Kerala government should have been granted monetary compensation by the Centre to offset the loss to the State exchequer, similar to CST compensation by the Centre to State governments consequent to the switchover to Value Added Tax.
Ettirankandath Krishnadas,Palakkad
If the consumption of liquor is a social problem, it should be so for all. Halfway measures can complicate issues. While a total ban is a tough call, there needs to be out-of-the-box thinking. A total ban will not arrest consumption. When it comes to liquor prohibition, State and Central governments need to tread a common path. Huge revenues are generated from liquor sales. The habit of alcohol consumption is also deep-rooted. There needs to be a consistent plan in place on this front.
Balasubramaniam Pavani,Secunderabad
The observations of the Supreme Court are unfortunate as it will slow down the momentum in implementing total prohibition. On the one hand, the honourable court has asked why there has been such an abrupt step, while in the same breath it has said there must be prohibition for all. The good intentions of the Kerala government require active encouragement in order to save people from the evils of drinking. A step taken by the government in this direction should not be stalled.
G. Ramachandran,Thiruvananthapuram
All that the Kerala government needed to do was to raise the tax on liquor served in five-star hotels and outlets that have sprouted all over the State. The government, which is under oath to protect the health and well-being of its citizens, still allows the sale of liquor and tobacco when it is clear that tobacco use and alcohol consumption are injurious to health. The health-care burden and the long-term consequences cannot be ignored.
Sumith Sivanand,Kollam
