Kerala: Beer parlours shift entrance to save business

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Many beer and wine parlours are trying to relocate their entrances in a bid to by-pass the Supreme Court restrictions on liquor outlets. According to industry sources, a good number of beer and wine parlours lost their licences as they were on the brink of the 500-metre restriction prescribed by the Supreme Court. They are exploring the option of shifting their entrances. Excise department sources said the distance is calculated from the edge of the highway to the entrance of the bar or beer and wine parlour premises. Hence if the entrance of the premises is relocated and licence- holders seek a review, we are bound to give the licence.

In Thiruvananthapuram city itself, several beer and wine parlours are trying to re-locate the entrances. Some hoteliers are even trying to purchase adjacent plots to relocate the entrance. Kerala Bar Hotel Owners Association working president Biju Ramesh said many beer parlour owners were exploring the possibility of the relocating the beer parlour. He also said that the Indrapuri hotel owned by him in Thiruvananthapuram had lost the  licence as it was on the brink of the highway from Spencer junction. Hence,  efforts were being  made to relocate the entrance.  "The closure of a bar or beer parlour would not only affect the owner, but many workers. Hence we have to try various ways to overcome it," he said.