Kerala alcohol ban: CM Oomen Chandy rules out going back on liquor ban

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said that though the decision to impose prohibition in the state posed many challenges, there would not be a rethinking.

“We are more concerned about the ill-effects of liquor in society. Hence, we will face all consequences of the new liquor policy, including revenue loss,” he said while inaugurating the Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi celebrations at Sivagiri Mutt on Monday.

The state exchequer may face a revenue loss of up to Rs 8,000 crore with the restrictions on liquor sale.

But the government did not consider it as a loss as the advantages of prohibition for the people were manifold, he said.

The enforcement agencies would be strengthened to check the flow of illicit liquor to the state, he added.

The rehabilitation of bar workers and others losing their jobs as a result of bringing down liquor sale would be taken up with priority.

Mr. Chandy said the preaching of Sree Narayana Guru attained much significance at a time when the government was trying to make the state free from drugs and liquor.

The ideals of Guru would be introduced at more levels of school and college syllabuses, he said.