State’s liquor policy derailed: VM Sudheeran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after Cabinet made significant changes in phased prohibition policy deciding to allow beer and wine parlours in 418 shut bars and discontinue dry day on Sundays, KPCC president V.M. Sudheeran unleashed a scathing attack on the government accusing it of torpedoing the policy.

Sudheeran, who was on a tour to Malabar, cut short his visit and rushed to state Capital. Though there were rumours that he would hold a press conference, he issued a strongly worded statement perhaps to avoid controversial queries from media.

“Cabinet decision has come as a rude shock for people. It’s a huge let down. The interests of liquor lobby have been imposed on the people. I express my strong opposition and dissent to the changes made in the policy,” he said in the statement. nSudheeran

Sudheeran expressed surprise over the changes effected on the basis of a report prepared by two secretaries as per someone’s script.

‘What is the credibility a report manufactured unilaterally without considering the positive changes that had taken place in society following the closure of 418 bars and the opinion of widely respected experts? he asked.

He said it was unfortunate that the Government went back on liquor policy when sales of IMFL and beer had come down drastically, cases of domestic violence, road accidents, alcohol related crimes had reduced considerably and there was peace and financial discipline in families.

Sudheeran said the government had shown undue haste in paving the way for reopening of closed bars without exploring alternative possibilities for rehabilitation of workers.  He termed as “baseless” the argument that foreign tourist would visit state only if shut bars are reopened.

KPCC chief said Cabinet decision was against UDF’s well stated policy aimed at bringing down the availability of liquor, use of liquor and addiction to liquor. Beer and wine often draw youth towards alcohol and by allowing shut bars to sell these products the government is doing great harm to the young generation.