Bar owners continue fight against Kerala booze ban
Following the Kerala High Court decision to uphold a state-wide alcohol ban, local bar owners say they will fight on and take their case to the Supreme Court.
Last week the High Court upheld the state government’s liquor prohibition policy which allows for only four-star, five-star and heritage hotel bars to continue selling alcohol.
If not successfully repealed, this would mean the closure of around 700 local bars in the state.
Bar owners described the High Court decision as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
"There are five-star hotels functioning, clubs functioning, beer and wine parlours functioning and even the one-day permit to consume liquor is available," bar owner John Kella said.
"But we, who have invested so much money have not been given justice from the government."
The state gets almost 20% of revenue through the sale of alcohol but the liquor ban will also have an impact on tourism.
Supporters of the ban welcomed the move and said increasing alcohol consumption has been partly responsible for rising crime levels and social problems in the state.
Kerala is thought to have India’s high per capita liquor consumption rate.
"It is a huge consolation for the people of Kerala, especially women and children and those who are the victims of the families of alcoholics," said Dencil Attepety, a Kerala High Court lawyer.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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