Are beer, toddy not liquor? Kerala asks for exemption
- Supreme Court has ordered to relocate liquor shops within 500 metres of national and state highways before April 1
- However, Kerala state wants beer and toddy shops to be exempt from the order
- Residents have been protesting against relocating toddy shops from the highway
FollowWith protests spreading across Kerala against relocated liquor shops as per Supreme Court ruling, the state government urged the apex court to excempt toddy, wine and liquor from the list of alcohol.
Seeking a clarification on the order banning liquor shops that are within 500 metres of national and state high ways, the state requested the court to modify its verdict on December 15, 2016.
Read more: No liquor shops on highway from April 1, warns SC
Part of the petition is also in contradiction to Abkari Act Section 3 that says, “liquor includes spirits of wine, arrack, spirits, wine, toddy, beer and all liquids consisting of or containing alcohol".
The state government in its petition has explained that toddy, extracted from coconut flower contains only 5% to 10% alcohol and hence cannot be considered as liquor. The apex court had set April 1 as the deadline to ensure that all such shops near the highways are shut down.
The order has caused a new headache for Kerala government which is already in the grip of raging student agitation against self-financing institutions and college managements across the state. Residents, including students, are out in protest against the relocation of liquor shops.
Also read: Now, protests spreading across Kerala against relocated liquor shops
Of the 270 outlets of state-owned Beverages Corporation, 135 will have to be relocated. Of the 36 stores of Consumer Fed, six are situated along highways while 200 of the 815 beer-wine parlours are also located along highways.
