A ban lift? Let’s get progressive

A ban lift? Let’s get progressive

  • 13 Jun 2017
  • Sunaya
  • Features

Kerala was pushed into a mission to become a dry state, but with the new government, a tremendous change is a win-win for the state

Kerala has always been a pioneer in setting examples for others with its progressive steps towards development, often putting the state in limelight. Though always known for its high literacy rates in the country, off late, Kerala is also known for its radical policies towards working for the needs of its people, be it by not adhering to the beef ban or by employing 23 transgenders in the Kochi Metro project. Now by lifting the ban on liquor in the state, the government has made yet another debatable decision

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With its revised liquor laws, these are the things you need to know. 

  • The legal age for an individual to drink has been changed from 21 to 23. 
  • The bars that were closed 2 years ago when UDF was in power will be reopened and will start to function again. 
  • All the 3 star and 4 star hotels are to reopen their bars soon by obtaining new licenses. 
  • The bars will function for 12 hours a day from 11 AM to 11 PM and the tourist destinations in the state will get an extra hour and they will function from 10 AM to 11 PM. 
  • Outlets closed in the wake of Supreme Court ban on sale of liquor within 500 metres of national and state highway will be allowed to relocate. 
  • The domestic terminals of all the 3 airports in the country will have liquor outlets. 

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The other thing that everyone should know is that with the liquor ban earlier, there was a decline in the sales of hard liquors by 18% and there was a tremendous increase in the sale of beer and wine by 68%. 

Kerala mainly known for tourism has higher chances to attract tourists from all over the world and this can contribute to the income of the state. The more the tourists come, higher the tendency for liquor sale and thus, that leads to higher revenues earned as well.  

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Apart from that, it was stated that on December 31, 2016, Vytilla Bevco in Kochi alone earned Rs. 1.21 Cr. in that single night, making it a record breaker. It is also estimated that liquor revenue accounts 25% of Rs. 40,000 Cr. that the state earns from various taxes and services. 

With the revised liquor policies in the state the government has actually worked towards the betterment of the state by realizing the main source of the state’s income. A government that work’s for its people’s welfare and the state’s fulfilment is everyone’s wish, and that’s what the LDF possibly achieved with this decision.

What do you think? Is the decision right or wrong? We’d love to hear your take on the issue as well!   

Text: Roshan D    Photos: Various Sources   Featured Image source

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