Kerala

United Democratic Front

LDF

Congress

Vaikkom Vishwan

Supreme Court

Chennai: The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) inhas decided to do away with the restrictions on liquor imposed by the previous Congress-led(UDF) government. The Kerala government plans to eradicate them limitations on issue of license based on eligibility to new bars, beer and wine parlours. Themove has already come under fire from theand Christian organisations.Alongside, the government has also decided to launch extensive drive against the evils of alcohol addiction. It also decided to raise the age limit for consuming liquor from 21 to 23.Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “The existing de-addiction centres in the state would be strengthened. Moreover, for rehabilitation of addicts, a model specialty de-addiction centre will be opened.”The Left front has never supported total prohibition. "Even during last assembly polls, we had said our liquor policy will be different from UDF's," he told reporters.Total prohibition has never succeeded anywhere. Experience shows us it has not helped get rid of the menace anywhere, he pointed out. The government is of the view that prohibition would only lead to spurt in illegal drugs and spurious liquor sale.The bar timings would be changed from 9.30 am to 10 pm to 11 am to 11 pm.Pointing out that the toddy industry is facing a crisis in the state, Pinarayi Vijayan said a Toddy Board will be formed to look into issues such as the livelihood of toddy workers, security to their life and work besides to make fresh toddy available for the people.Moreover, toddy will be sold in hotels classified as three star properties and above. Currently, a total of 922 toddy shops remain closed in the state.Earlier, LDF convenersaid that as for bars closed following theorder; to ensure job for the workers rendered jobless in all taluks a beer and wine parlour would be opened 500 metres away from highway.He recalled that the `Gandhian' A.P.Udhayabhanu who headed the Commission on Alcohol Policy didn't recommend total prohibition.Viswan claimed that drug mafia is spearheading the campaigning against liquorbars.