Kerala High Court Upholds Ban On Liquor In Bars

31 March, Thiruvanathpuram

A division bench of Kerala High Court Tuesdayratified the new liquor policy of the Congress-led government, which had envisaged the closure of all liquor bars except those in the five-startcategory.

The division bench also nullified the single bench order which allowed liquor licence for four-star and heritage hotels.

However, the court ratified the governmentdecision to amend its liquor policy to allow beer
and wine parlours in closed bars. The beer and wine parlours were allowed in the closed 418
bars to address the loss of jobs and cushion the impact of the new liquor policy on tourism and hospitality sectors.

With today’s decision, the 312 three and four star hotels now operating can apply for only beer and wine parlour licences. Bar hotel owners association said they would challenge the verdict in the Supreme court.