LDF not to reopen liquor bars

KOCHI: The newly-elected Left Democratic Front ( LDF) government in Kerala has made it clear that it will not reopen the closed liquor bars in the state.

Excise Minister TP Ramakrishnan said that the liquor consumption in the state has been increasing even after the bars have been closed. The LDF will introduce changes to the liquor policy of the previous government. The new government’s policy is to promote abstinence, he said. The policy will be finalised after discussions, he added.

Earlier, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also said that the government has not started the discussions with regard to the new liquor policy. He, however, said a total ban is not the solution to the problem.

The UDF government led by Oommen Chandy had closed down 700- odd liquor bars in the state. The bars were later allowed to sell soft liquors like beer and wine. The UDF prohibition policy had led to the closure of 10% of the liquor retail outlets in the state every year.

The UDF had used the liquor policy for campaigning during the assembly election.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also expressed the displeasure of the government in the way the case against the two Italian marines was handled by the Centre.