No direction given to open new liquor outlet: T P Ramakrishnan

KOZHIKODE: Excise minister T.P. Ramakrishnan said on Thursday that the state government had not given any direction for opening even a single new liquor outlet in the state. Addressing a press conference Mr Ramakrishnan said there was permission to open new counters at the existing stores for the comfort of buyers.

He was responding to a question regarding the protest against the move to open a liquor outlet attached to a supermarket in the city. He said that it could not be considered a new outlet as it was an extension of an existing one. An elaborate policy has been prepared which would be discussed with all concerned in the state soon, he said, adding that the policy of the government is not prohibition.