Jubilant tipplers throng bars as 77 new liquor outlets open in Kerala [Video]
- As the bars opened their doors at 11 am, heavy rush was seen in various outlets
- In some parts, tipplers welcomed the reopening of bars by bursting crackers
- 20 bars were opened in Ernakulam, 11 in Thiruvananthapuram and nine in Thrissur
FollowAt least 77 liquor outlets in hotels rated three-star and above were opened on Sunday after the Kerala government renewed their licences as part of its new liquor policy.Â
As the bars opened their doors at 11 am, heavy rush was seen in various outlets, with tipplers making beelines and expressing their delight at the government's decision. "We are happy that the bars have opened. We can quench our thirst after a hard day's work without fearing police", PTI quoted an early visitor to a bar in the state capital.Â
Kerala: Bars reopen in Thiruvananthapuram after LDF Govt's new liquor policy pic.twitter.com/auIxTDxtDX
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 2, 2017
In some parts, tipplers welcomed the reopening of bars by bursting crackers. Elated customers, who rushed into bars to commemorate the new policy, said it was better to drink in bars than at home in front of their families.
While the maximum number of bars were opened in Ernakulam (20), 11 bars opened in Thiruvananthapuram and nine in Thrissur. The bars will remain open from 11 am to 11 pm. The government has also renewed the licences of 2,112 toddy shops.Â
The LDF government had unveiled its new liquor policy last month, by deciding to reopen closed bar outlets in three-star and above category, besides permitting serving of toddy in these hotels from July 1.
Meanwhile, Kollam DCC president Bindu Krishna led a march of Congress workers before a bar which opened on Sunday, with party workers distributing 'sambaram' (butter milk).
