Kerala alcohol ban: ‘Liquor policy will not reduce consumption’

Kochi: The closure of bars will not help to bring down the consumption of liquor in the state, says K.R. Gouriamma, former minister and JSS leader.

The liquor policy adopted by the state government is lacking any foresight and should be withdrawn, she told in Alapuzha on Saturday.

Prohibition was withdrawn when I was the minister after realizing that the policy has not benefited anybody, she said.

Prohibition was lifted entirely from Kerala in 1967 when Gouriamma was the excise minister.

Bars provided a specific place for people to consume liquor.

But the closure of bars will change that situation leading to people start drinking from all places, she pointed out.

“If bars are closed then beverages outlets should also be closed”, she added.

The decision to close down the bars seems to be an indication of the government showing a vindictive attitude towards a section of the people, she said.