Kozhikode: The Union Territory of Mahe, known as a liquor hub, is bent on changing its image. Hence it has decided to close all the bars and liquor outlets on Thiruvonam day to prevent the flow of drinkers from the neighbouring districts of Kannur and Kozhikode. Boozers have been flocking to Mahe ever since the Kerala government had imposed restrictions on bars.
Last year, the Mahe administration had ordered the closure of bars on Thiruvonam day and also reduced the working hours of liquor outlets from 15 hours to 13 hours. “However, the restrictions were not completely successful as the liquor outlets were allowed to function. This year we don’t want that to happen and will ensure that Thiruvo-nam remains peaceful for the Mahe residents,” said regional administrator Dinesh Mangalatte.
“At present we have a bad name as a liquor hub. We are planning to focus more on tourism and change this image. We cannot completely ban liquor since it is for the policy makers to decide and find alternative revenue sources,” he added.
Mahe has 64 liquor outlets and the administration earns nearly Rs 50-crore revenue a year from liquor sector alone.
