Kerala has decided to scrap Prohibition subject to “certain conditions.” Announcing this decision at the end of a Cabinet meeting, this afternoon [April 26, Trivandrum] Mr. E.M.S. Nambudiripad, Chief Minister, told Pressmen that among the conditions for lifting Prohibition were: that liquor should not be served to persons below 18 years of age, that liquor should not be served in restaurants and hotels at common tables and that no liquor shop should be located near temples, mosques, churches, schools and hospitals. Asked when the decision would be given effect to, the Chief Minister said that the details would have to be worked out and that the department concerned would require some time to frame procedures, ordinance and rules. Replying further, he said that the two Muslim League Ministers had conveyed to the Cabinet their party’s opposition to the abolition of Prohibition. Asked whether the Cabinet’s decision to scrap Prohibition was unanimous, the Chief Minister said that it was not usual to disclose whether there was unanimity or not. He, however, added that it was common knowledge that the Muslim League was opposed to the lifting of Prohibition. “You can draw your inference from this,” he added. Questioned about the threatened agitation by the all-Kerala prohibition movement, Mr. Nambudiripad said: “I would advise them to do some constructive work by way of organising a State-wide mass propaganda against the evils of drinking.” Asked further whether the Government would consider picketing of newly-opened toddy shops as a constitutional method of agitation, he replied: “I hope people, who are intent on picketing, would, if they are serious about preventing drinking, apply themselves to constructive endeavours and carry on propaganda so that some of us also can join them.” Asked whether there would be any restrictions on Government employees drinking in public, the Chief Minister replied that there was already a provision to this effect in the Government Servants’ Conduct Rules.