Ban goes, 418 bars can sell beer

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Cabinet on Thursday made significant changes to UDF Government’s much trumpeted phased prohibition policy allowing 418 bars shut since April 1, 2014 to function as beer and wine parlours besides withdrawing Sunday dry day decision.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the changes had been made on the basis of the report submitted by Labour and Tourism secretaries. 

“The beer wine parlour decision will be applicable to all hygienic bars that were functioning till 31.3.2014.  However, there will be no change in UDF decision not to grant new bar licenses to three star and four star hotels. Bar license will be allowed for five star hotels and above,” he added.

He said the decision will come into effect after the department concerned issued the order.

When asked whether the 250 bars which are currently functioning on the strength of High Court stay would also be allowed to function as beer and wine parlours, the chief minister said;  “The decision on these bars will be subject to the pending court case.

They are already selling beer and wine,” he said. Regarding the recent HC direction to grant licenses 10 bars, he said the legal aspects pertaining to the matter were being examined. Cabinet also decided to cut down daily working hours of BEVCO liquor outlets by two and a half hours.

Earlier, it used to function 15 hours daily.The chief minister said that the closed bars would be allowed to function as beer and wine parlours on the basis of their previous licenses. However it will be subject the condition that all workers who lost their jobs would be rehabilitated.

Another major decision is regarding phased closure of BEVCO and Consumerfed outlets on the state and national highways. 

There are 163 such outlets along the state and national highways. Of these 10 per cent (16) would be closed down by 1.1.2015.

The earlier decision to close down 10 per cent BEVCO and Consumer outlets will continue and priority would be given for closing down those on the national highways and state highways.

The chief minister said an expert committee would be constituted to study the impact of the liquor policy and the subsequent changes.

“We have not decided on the panel yet,”  he said.  Mr Chandy Muslim League stuck to its stand of total prohibition. 'While the UDF policy is to have phased policy, Muslim League has always takne a stand in favour of proohibiton. They registered their dissent at Cabient meeting,’’ he added.