LDF govt not to reopen bars closed by previous regime

Kozhikode: The LDF government will not reopen bars closed by the previous UDF administration, Kerala Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan said on Saturday.

Talking to reporters at a meet-the-press programme at the press club here, he said, "Bars closed by the previous government will not be reopened."

"Contrary to the claim of the UDF government that it had closed bars, beer and wine are being served in these bars actually. Though many beverage outlets were said to be closed, sale of liquor has not come down," he said.

"Awareness programmes will be conducted to reduce consumption of liquor. Besides aiming for liquor abstinence, we will examine ways to ban use of drugs and other narcotic substances," Ramakrishnan said.

Meanwhile, state Transport Minister A K Saseendran said immediate execution of National Green Tribunal order banning diesel vehicles of above 2000 cc and more than 10 years old would affect the functioning of state owned KSRTC.

"The government is not opposing the National Green Tribunal order restricting movement of diesel vehicles in the state. But the immediate execution of the order would affect the functioning of KSRTC," Saseendran said.

"Hence, the government needs enough time to look into the matter and legal advice has been sought from the Accountant General," he said.

The National Green Tribunal Circuit Bench at Kochi had recently banned diesel vehicles of above 2000 cc and over 10 years old in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur.

The bench also wanted temporary ban on registration of diesel vehicles of above 2000 cc.

On a petition submitted by vehicle owners, the Kerala High Court has stayed implementation of the order for two months.