Protests against liquor outlet continue

Political parties offer support to agitation; residents turn away potential buyers

Residents stage protest in front of Bevco outlet near Ponnurunni on Wednesday.

Protests continued to simmer for the second consecutive day on Wednesday following the shifting of a Kerala State Beverages Corporation Limited (Bevco) outlet to Ponnurunni.

The outlet was shifted from Vyttila on Tuesday evening following an apex court verdict on shifting liquor outlets from along national and State highways. The protest launched by local residents on Tuesday continued on Wednesday, even as political parties pledged their support to the agitation.

“Local residents, including women and children, staged a protest in front of the outlet on Wednesday morning.

The police also arrived at the scene, and it was decided that the outlet would not function for the day. But once the protesters dispersed, the outlet opened shutters,” said P.G. Jayamohan, secretary of Lal Salaam Residents Association.

Following this, protesters regrouped in front of the outlet, turning away potential buyers.

“The outlet is less than 100 metres away from an anganwadi and a primary health care centre for women. Besides, a no objection certificate was not secured from local residents before the outlet was opened,” said Mr. Jayamohan.