Kerala liquor policy: 150 hotels may get licence initially

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the state government decided to allow bar licence to hotels in the three-star and above categories, industry sources feel that in the present context only around 150 hotels, including the existing 27 five-star hotels, may get bar licence on the basis of the fresh norms. Till March 31, 2014, 732 bars were functioning in the state. High Court ordered not to renew licence of 418 that were found to be sub-standard in 2014. The UDF government later decided in 2015 to allow bar licence only to five-star hotels and clubs. With this, only 27 five-star and 34 clubs were having bar licence in the state.

Though 815 beer and wine parlours were functioning till March 31, 2017, following the closure of liquor outlets within 500 metres from highways, the number was reduced to 341.  It included hotels below three-star classification also. According to information available from Ministry of Tourism, there are 238 hotel of three-star and above classifications in the state. But many of these are within 500 metres from highways. Though the government provided for relocating of these hotels within the same taluk, it would not be an easy task, sources said.