Trade unions of workers in Kerala State Beverages Corporation Limited (Bevco) outlets fear that relocation of outlets along National and State Highways might lead to their permanent closure.
Trade unions cutting across political affiliations shared the same sentiments about the High Court verdict directing the relocation of Bevco outlets.
C.K. Manisankar, State general secretary of the CITU-affiliated Kerala Samsthana Videsha Madya Vyavasaya Thozhilali Union, said that relocation could only mean closure of Bevco outlets in the prevailing circumstances.
Relocation of Bevco outlets from the relatively suitable sites along Highways might take them right next to residential areas in a densely populated State like Kerala.
“People’s protest has become the norm against opening of bars or Bevco outlets across the State and the local bodies cannot be expected to issue licence ignoring popular sentiments,” he said.
Why was the directive not applicable to clubs where liquor was being served, and bar-attached five star and four star hotels functioning along the highways, he asked.
Mr. Manisankar alleged that the High Court verdict was testimony of the government lawyers’ failure to impress the court about the practical difficulties of relocation.
Meeting on Monday
The issue would be discussed in detail at the Union’s State committee meeting to be held on November 17.
A.P. John, State general secretary of the INTUC-affiliated Kerala State Beverages Corporation Workers Congress, said that there was reluctance among building owners to rent their property to Bevco outlets.
“In rare cases where buildings were available, parameters such as distance limit from places of worship and education institutions posed additional problems,” the union leader said.
Mr. Manisankar said that the perception that Bevco outlets along highways led to accidents could not be proved conclusively, which the Ramachandran Commission appointed to make recommendations for the liquor policy had also accepted.
Ajayan, an employee of a Bevco outlet at Vytilla, said that while functioning of outlets along highways might pose parking issues there was no reason to suspect that they led to accidents.
“Unlike retail liquor outlets in some other States, Bevco outlets here do not make provision for the buyer to consume it on their premises but only to buy it. In that sense, it’s no different from a medical shop,” he said.
