Bringing booze closer: Now, bars can function just 50m away from schools, places of worship

Excise minister TP Ramakrishnan said that the distance limit was relaxed to 50 metres to revive the state's ailing tourism sector The order applies only to four-star and five-star bars, deluxe and heritage hotels.  The distance limit for three-star bars and below will continue to be 200 metres, and 400 metres for toddy shops

The Kerala government has reduced the minimum distance limit of bars from schools and places of worship from 200 metres to just 50 metres.

The relaxation order applies only to four-star and five-star bars, deluxe and heritage hotels, while the distance limit for three-star bars and below will continue to be 200 metres. For toddy shops, the distance to be maintained is 400 metres.

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According to the existing rules, bars and liquor outlets cannot function within 200 metres of schools, places of worship, and Dalit and tribal colonies. The distance will be measured as 'gate to gate'.

An order in this regard was issued by the excise department on Friday. State excise minister TP Ramakrishnan said that the distance limit was relaxed to 50 metres to revive the state's ailing tourism sector.

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Meanwhile, former KPCC president VM Sudheeran, who played a crucial role in setting up the UDF government's liquor policy, has slammed the order, labelling it as "LDF government's Onam gift to bar owners".