Liquor ban: Hit on Kerala tourism worries Thomas Isaac
Following the apex court order, all liquor shops within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country were closed down by March 31.
KOZHIKODE: The revenue loss due to the ban on Bevco outlets and bars operating close to state and national highways would affect the tourism and hotel industry in the state, said Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac here on Monday. The hotel owners cannot translocate their establishments according to the whims and fancies of those at the helm, he told reporters. Following the apex court order, all liquor shops within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country were closed down by March 31.
The ban on liquor in a massive way would have serious repercussions on Kerala, Mr Isaac said and added that if people turn to country liquor, it would be disastrous for society. On the loss of about Rs 4000 crore to the state exchequer due to the closure of Bevco outlets, Mr Isaac said that he had drafted the budget expecting the revenue, without which it would be tough to implement the various projects. Asked about altering the status of state highways to facilitate the functioning of Bevco outlets, Mr Isaac said it was up to the departments concerned to decide on it. "But we should overcome this problem and ensure the revenue from liquor sales," he added.