Mahe to shed watering hole image
Union territory to focus on tourism sector
By : harigovind
Update: 2014-10-14 04:16 GMT
KOZHIKODE: Mahe, which is considered as a boozer’s paradise, is gearing up to change its image by imposing a few curbs. The lower taxation on alcoholic beverages here has made drinking in this picturesque former French town a cheerful affair for the tipplers from nearby districts. Following the Kerala government’s liquor ban, the nine-square-km administrative unit belonging to Pondicherry has been witnessing a huge inflow of consumers.
As an initial step, the administration has reduced the liquor vending time from 15 hours to 13. Earlier, the joints opened at 8 a.m. and closed at 11p.m. According to the new timing, the outlets can remain open only from 9 a.m. till 10 p.m. The authorities have also ordered closure of bars in the town for two days owing to the St Teresa’s shrine festival, one of the major events in Mahe. Though bars were closed on Sunday, pilgrims were given facilities to buy bottles.
Mahe regional administrator Dinesh Mangalat told DC that after assessing the success of these restrictions, further moves would be initiated.
“At present, we have a bad name as a liquor hub. We are planning to give more focus to tourism and bring down this image. Of course, we cannot completely ban it since the policy-makers have to find out alternative revenue mode,” he said.
At present, Mahe has 64 liquor outlets. The administration earns a revenue of nearly Rs 50 crore a year from liquor alone. It has also taken up a number of projects in Mahe to attract tourists.