Kerala tells hoteliers to shut bars within 15 days


Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 26 (PTI): Firming up plans to drastically reduce availability of liquor, the Congress-led UDF Government today decided to issue notices to hoteliers below the five-star category to shut their bars by September 12.

The decision, taken by a high-level meeting convened by Excise Minister K Babu, would mean that 312 functioning bars would be closed only after the Onam festival, to be celebrated in the first week of next month.



Briefing the media after the meeting that worked out the action plan on the UDF's policy decision taken last week, Babu said notices would be issued to hoteliers on August 28, asking them to wind up liquor sales within 15 days.

As part of the procedures under the Abkari rules, unsold stockpile of IMFL from closed bars would be taken back by the state Beverages Corporation (Bevco), the state agency having monopoly over liquor retailing in the state.

Similarly, the part of the licence fee for the remaining eight months of the current financial year would be returned to the bar owners.

The total amount to be shelled out for this would be around Rs 40 crore and the modalities would be discussed and finalised by the cabinet tomorrow, the minister said.

A thorough revamp of the Excise intelligence and enforcement wings of the Excise Department is on the cards to effectively prevent possible flow of illicit liquor and spirit to the state.

As part of efforts to increase awareness on the evils of alcohol consumption, the Education Department would be asked to include the topic in school textbooks.

Side-by-side, a campaign to prevent alcohol consumers taking to consumption of narcotic drugs would be launched.

Apart from closing down 312 bars, the Government had also decided not to renew licences of 418 bars, which has remained shut since April for want of required facilities.

The radical policy shift to sharply cut down on liquor trade was taken by the UDF leadership last week when it met to consider the fate of the 418 closed bars.

The issue had for long been a source of dissension in the Congress and UDF in the state with sections of the leadership pressing for a practical approach towards the bar imbroglio.

Chief Minister Ommen Chandy had laid down the new proposals, marking a critical departure from the liquor policy followed by the UDF and LDF over the decades.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Roy Vijay D' Silva, Cordel / Dubai

    Wed, Aug 27 2014

    Talapadydha Bardhakule, nana onji malige yerale. Nerekare dhaklena bera jaasthi apuna thojondh undu.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • kuldesh, bangalore

    Wed, Aug 27 2014

    in kerala,for majority of keralites,closing liquor bars means stopping water supply to them.if anyone goes to next assembly elections by stopping water supply to thier citizenswhat will be the results anyone can imagine.thanks chandy for opening doors of kerala for bjp in a majestic way.
    wah modiji kya luck he yaar tera
    .jaha bhi jaate ho us pradesh ko haasil karneka tera kala ke baare me to do baat nahi.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • kuldesh, bangalore

    Wed, Aug 27 2014

    in my opinion,kerala congress has shoot on its own leg by this drastic decision.bcoz kerala is no gujrath.in gujrat even if alchohol is banned.no problem, as they are few drinkers there.but in kerala more than 70% people have drinking habbit either foreign made or neera.even being the smallest state,liquor consumption in kerala is highest in india.i think bjp ka acche din aa gaye in next assembly elections in kerala.
    modiji ki jai

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • G Bhandary, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 27 2014

    @ Pinto, there are other means to get peace like Yoga, Yogasana, evening walk, reading, music etc etc.
    Why dont you try any or all of them.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohandas Kapikad, Mangaluru

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Congress Fans here better can try their luck, to get a Licence to open Bar in Border Karnataka... A chance to make more money, with influence other boss...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mahendra Shetty, Mumbai Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014


    THIS GOVT IS FOLLOWING KSA RULE AND SOME EXTREME GROUPS PRESSURIZED FOR VOTE BANK POLITICS.....WHY THEY ARE FORCING PEOPLE TO FOLLOW WHAT THEY THINK.,...WHERE ARE THEY BEFORE AND HOW SUDDENLY THEY GOT JNANODAYA? WHO PREACHED THEM?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter Lewis, Kalmady/k s a

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Pressure from UDF? Shame to you Chandy? Do not snatch Daily bread of those are in this field. we are living in Democratic Nation.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aloysius Pinto, kudupu/mumbai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Please do not vote this govt next time want to become famous by doing a great thing every one is mature enough to think what is good & what is bad these people in govt need not teach people

    DisAgree [8] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aubb, Kuwait

    Tue, Aug 26 2014


    Congress is doomed in Kerala from this week itself.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gurudath, M'lore/Mumbai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Bars in Karnataka and TN near Kerala border will see roaring business. Policemen, excise officers, bootleggers, etc. will be happy. These people will share the revenue lost by Kerala government. Bars in Mahe will see heavy increase in 'tourists' from Kerala. Great move.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sharath. K. T., Mangalore, Dubai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Excellent Comment. Memorable.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Big problem for those who enter bar from back door, who are hiding their faces and sitting in dimlight, who can not stand in queue in front of State beverages corp shops and most importantly who say alcohol is Haram.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachidanand Shetty, Mundkur/Dubai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Only two Southern States remaining with CONGiss Led rule…. So, now Kerala people will never vote for CONGiss anymore!!! Closing Liquor Bars in Kerala!!! Means they are stopping life line of majority Mallus for sure. Do they think Mallus will stop drinking Liquor? Never, these people start smuggling from Karnataka Border very soon. Any how one State’s loss is another State’s gain only

    DisAgree [7] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • badruddin, mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    after shut bar kerala mangalore we be busy please

    DisAgree [3] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gibbs, Udupi

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Nana Seetha/Themma aanda Doctor Brandy da badleg Posath Brand "Doctor Kali" (with a slogan "bayyad aaji ghante da bokka baaleg kulkud korle") - FOR SALE ONLY IN KERALA STATE

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • JOHN R LOBO, Kaikamba/Dubai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    It is nothing...but another Gotala of Khangress Govt in Kerla.

    Congress fudaries will contibute millions of rupees earned through bootlegging to Party Fund. Excise, Police and Politicians,Kasargod smugglers will earn millions. In reality looser is Kerala Govt TREASURY. But it will not make difference to ruling party. They will make their fortune through HAFTHA.

    Secondly, Every Sunday there is heavy rush to Union Territory " Mahe" which situated middle of Kerala. Since its Union territory and prices much less compare to TN, Karnataka, AP.

    Third, hundreds of truck carry Spirits from Sugar cane factories from Maharashtra, Karnatka, AP to Gods owned country UNDER BLESSING POLITICIANS who are owners of Sugar cane factories.

    Wah Congress, wah Kya Daulath kamaneka raasth doonda....After so many scams this remaining what...????? Wait and watch , within TWO years Kerala Govt will lift Prohibition like Andra Pradesh

    DisAgree [6] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fredrick Castelino, Udyavara

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    I request Karnataka Chief Minister to close liquor sale in Karnataka also so that the women in the state will sleep peacefully and the children also will be very happy. The revenue earned by liquor sale may be got from other sources. If the same is closed, in the next election 100% women will vote for congress. It is sure.

    DisAgree [18] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • PEDDU, MANGALURU

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    THIS WILL LEAD A LOT OF HEADACHE TO THE KARNATAKA TERRITORY SPECIALLY FOR POLICE FORCE !

    YOU EXPECT SO MANY THINGS IN MANGALAPURAM - TALAPADI - THOKKOTTU

    DisAgree [3] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amith, udupi

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Babu Bhaiya ..15 din time hai na ..mast peeneka ..macchi thal ke khaaneka ..aur soneka ..baad mein sochneka quarter kidar se kharidneka karke...

    DisAgree [8] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Babu Bhaiya, Bangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Ye amit hai kidar tu, koli ka bhada bhi nahi diya re baba. Sham ko mil pidk pe. Hamara Sidhu bhai hamara bhagya nahi lega re baba.

    Ye raju 2 chai la.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • krishna, mumbai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Bevde log kahinse bhi daru ka dukaan doondh lete hai. Ye kalaa unke rakt mein hai!!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amith, udupi

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    babu bhaiya ...idar chai se jyada kitli garam hai aur tu baada ke peeche pada hai ..daaru ke bina aadmi kaam kaise karega..tum bhi na ..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • N.M, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Must open up a bar in Thokkotu / Ullal and invite Mallus to have a Quarter with sukka.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sandeep Kadri, Mangalore/Sharjah

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Good idea, but here in UAE its chukka not sukka.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aubb, Kuwait

    Tue, Aug 26 2014


    Mallus can start some Chukka business whenever they come to Ullal from Kerala.

    got it????

    DisAgree [3] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf, Mumbai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    This is great news for bootlegers, those involved in well organized illicit liquor trade, middlemen, law enforcers at check posts and those all involved in the chain of smuggling liquor from neighboring states, neighboring state booze shops!! It will be a big time business minting huge money to the illegal operators, which money will further fuel black money oriented business and jack up real estate prices!! Those in the lower economic strata face the risk of dying cruelly in hooch tragedies that occur when booze is not available legally!! A huge loss to the exchequer with minimal effect on its consumption!! What about the huge losses for those employed in the industry/hotels etc. and what will those who were depending on such beer bars will do to sustain their lives!! Would not be surprised if some well off Mallus decide to shift to another place due to this development!!

    I would urge to read by Googling the following unbiased article of what are the consequences of banning liquor from the TOI last Sunday edition: Aug 24 2014 :

    The Times of India (Mumbai)
    ALL BOTTLED UP - Unhappy Hours
    
    
    As Prohibition looms over Kerala, the big brotherhood of Malayali drinkers is darkly contemplating the dregs -and exile.....

    Jai Hind!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Latif Mapal, Jeddah

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    One of the # 1 liquor sale in India is Kerala so they first step up to close and Karnataka government will soon come orders to close if come like accidents face continue

    DisAgree [9] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh Shetty, Mlore Shj

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Acche Din will also start for Dubai Duty Free at the departure gate.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • clvie, Kuwait

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Kya baat bola bhai. Waise toh Karnataka ki sona chandi hone waali hai.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • krishna, mumbai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Acche din will come to boardering hotelier also

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Tue, Aug 26 2014



    Bran, Bahrain

    Is it true !


    May be you do some regular work outs also to maintain good shape.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af, mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    How about MAHE? it is a union territory.
    people will pore there.anyway drinking can not be banned.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Robert , Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014



    Good time pass and savings for Gulf returnees with the knowledge of home made 'country'. Reliable and good stuff.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohandas Kapikad, Mangaluru

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Congress Powered CM in Karnataka want's Madhya Bhagya, to provide Liguor at Subsidised price to poor, while in Kerala, they want to ban Liquor. Really the difference is unbeliavable.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naaz, Vtl

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Very good move by kerala govt. Hope in future karnataka as well.

    DisAgree [15] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    A substantial daily intake of alcohol was the perfect way to stay in shape for us...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Babu Bhaiya, Bangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Sidhu Bhaiya namma bhagya irali. Ye Mallu ka Kallu per lath padi re baba.

    Ye Raju ab chai pila.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr Kusuma Kumari G, Kodyadka

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Good time for Liquor shops in Karnataka. Anyway I appreciate the bold move by Sri Ommen Chandi Many families will sleep in peace now Jai hind

    DisAgree [10] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • G Bhandary, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    @ Dr. Kusuma Kumari, many medical practitioners will lose their patients too.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • PINTO, Doha/Qatar

    Wed, Aug 27 2014

    Quote:
    'Many families will sleep in peace now'

    Unquote:
    Those men and women who were having one or two pegs everyday for their peace of mind really cannot fall asleep..

    DisAgree [4] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Koti, Kundapura

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Soon we will start reading the news that so many people died due to consuming illicit liquor. For a long time we have not read this news from South India.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af, mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    BAN will not work,due to this liquor smuggling and illegal route will increases,
    in Gujarat we will get liquor every where thru paying more.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • BABA, BANGALORE

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    There will be some bootlegging but overall consumption of liquor will come down. There will be peace in the family in the evenings and family income will increase. There will be peace of women and children and general living conditions and health of family members will improve. Some who must drink will still drink but that will be comparatively a small number. The Kerala government must proceed towards total prohibition including five-star hotel bars.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Michael, Mulky/San Fransisco

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    This could be a miracle if it happens successfully since it used to be major liquor consuming state. This would also mean that neighboring states can now gear up for more business but definitely not reduction in the number of drinkers. A very big decision, nevertheless.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amith, udupi

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Adu Sheri... Kallu ..meen curry undallo..adjust haaka..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalorea/Kuwait

    Tue, Aug 26 2014



    Bad habits die hard and the alcoholics will resort to other forms of intoxication. (narcotic drugs, illicit liqor and spirits).

    It is going to be a gigantic task for the Excise intelligence and enforcement wings of the Excise Department to bring the desired change effectively.

    Controlling or containing the evils of alcohol is better than total eradication.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh Shetty, Mlore Shj

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    The most happiest people with deciosns will be all the Bar & wine shop owners from Pumwell, Thokottu, Thalapady until Kasargod. Thei Acche Din has begun.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • j.anata, Mangaluru / Bengaluru

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    It really takes guts to take such swift harsh decisions like these...& Oommen Chandy govt is doing this exactly to save his govt & moving away from the clutches of liquor lobby managed by the SNDP gang...

    Anyways, Kerala's loss is being seen as a positive for the Congress Govt in Karnataka...Booze will bloom in small towns on the border

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Congrats Govt of Kerala ! Very BOLD decision to introduce despite huge opposition from all sides..CM Mr.Oommen Chandy is going to give some sound sleep to many families..Six months ago,one fisherman was telling Asia Net News reporter " I earn Rs 900 everyday..but spends Rs 700 every night" !! This new law might change the life style and standard of living of people,but Govt lose huge revenue ..No problem..LET PEOPLE LIVE IN PEACE..

    DisAgree [18] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sureshan, Kerala/Muscat

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    JPB, not to worry, We will now make 'country' at home!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, BAHRAIN

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    What will be Karnataka's response for this move? Now Kerala will be a second Gujrath very soon.
    Plz note: sale of Tody(kali) is not affected by this ban. Lol.
    Siddanna, namagu beda ve beda Saraai!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • vinay, mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Our govt already proposed Sarai Bhagya!!!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • JK, Udupi/Dubai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Siddannagu rathre onji peg paadujida nidre barpujige!!!!.....

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Is this a good decision? People who wish to drink will drink any how. Closing bars is not a solution. Instead educate people and highlight the harmful effects of alcohol. Again try and reach youngsters during the formative years and inculcate in them true values and impress upon them the need to abstain from drinks.

    Perhaps this is the initial step to introduce prohibition. However
    Prohibition has failed in many states earlier. It is better to learn from experience.

    Analise the loss of revenue by forcing hotels and restaurants to close the bars.

    Revenue earned can be well utilized to educate youngsters.

    Joe Gonsalves

    DisAgree [5] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • mohan amin, mumbai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    This order by Kerala Govt will lead to bootlegging. Now mallu brethern will also cross border to Karnataka & TN to have thier daily quota and smuggle some, back home..it's time to open new bars around Kerala border to make some fast money !!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • sid, mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    good for mangalore pubs and bars

    DisAgree [1] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • JK, Udupi/Dubai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Brisk business for Bar owners of Kasargod/Mangalore border. Right time to start a Bar in these border.

    DisAgree Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Siddu shut the wine and bars... dont stand behind liquor lobby for political gain.... Do you follow ???

    DisAgree [43] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amith, udupi

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    parandhe tight athana :)

    DisAgree [7] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh Gonsalves, Mangalore / Dubai

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Ha ha Good one. Taavare da Amal.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kusuma, Nellore.Kodyadka

    Tue, Aug 26 2014

    Yes true Sidhu also must follow the same. Alcohol the killer of families and creator of trouble in fmaily Hate alcohol and peace will be sure there in indian families, Hate alcohol

    DisAgree [23] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Kerala tells hoteliers to shut bars within 15 days



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