Kerala's new liquor policy: Green signal for 3-star bars, toddy in hotels

Several bars, which were closed down following the UDF government's tenure, are set to be reopened Liquor could be served at domestic lounges of airports in the state as per the new policy In a boost for toddy, palm wine will now be served in three-star bars and above The minimum age to drink at bars in the state has been raised from 21 years to 23

In a major move, the Kerala government on Thursday announced the new liquor policy, allowing licences to bars with classification of three stars and above.

Several bars, which were closed down following the previous UDF government's tenure, are now set to be reopened. Also, liquor could be served at domestic lounges of airports in the state as per the new policy.

Terming the UDF's liquor policy an utter failure, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said total prohibition was impractical in Kerala and that there was no decrease in liquor consumption during the last couple of years. The CM also blamed the old policy for the steep increase in drug abuse in the state. 

The policy says the timing of bars has been changed from 11 am to 11 pm, while in tourist places there will be an hour's extension from 10 am to 11 pm. However, the minimum age to drink at bars has been raised from 21 years to 23.

Also in a boost for toddy, palm wine will now be served in three-star bars and above, which was not allowed earlier.

Approving the policy, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he has full regard for anti-liquor campaigners but total prohibition is not a feasible, and hence the government was forced to come out with the new policy.

Meanwhile, the liquor outlets along national and state highways, which were shut down following a recent Supreme Court order, will be relocated to other areas in the same taluks.