Kerala alcohol ban: State’s toddy shops set to cash in on bar closure

Kochi: The state’s decision to close down all bars has come as a blessing in disguise for the toddy shops.

The lovers of Kerala’s traditional drink can feel happy as most of the toddy shops (shaps), notorious for the substandard facilities, have received a facelift.

They have changed the desks and benches replacing them with glass tables and steel chairs and built concrete buildings.

Many shops are now fully air-conditioned and have luxurious facilities.

The Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal and Auction rules, 2002 were amended incorporating a special rule for toddy shops to function in a hygienic condition and facilities like toilet, seating arrangements for customers, store, covered space, etc in the licensed premises. But, most of them were functioning in unhygienic conditions.

Mr M.K. Jose, who refurbished his toddy shop in Mundur near Palakkad, claims that the facelift was much needed and timely.

The shops in the state should change according to the needs of the people, he said. “It is not fair to provide substandard facilities to the customers,” said Mr Jose of Thrissur, a former bar owner who had even conducted arrack business.

The state had recently submitted before Kerala High Court that inspections would be conducted at toddy shops. The shop owners are also expecting an inspection during the last week of September.

Several petitions are pending before the High Court challenging the state’s abkari policy. The pleas had also sought a directive to the shop owners to maintain clean and hygienic conditions in toddy shops.