Thiruvananthapuram: As many as 153 existing beer and wine parlours in the state are likely to get bar licences as per the LDF government's liquor policy that will come into effect on July 1, according to an initial assessment of the state excise department. Excise commissioner Rishiraj Singh said that as soon as the government issues the order on the new policy, hotel owners can give applications for fresh licence. At present, of the 341 beer and wine parlours functioning, 62 are in three-star category and 71 four-star. All these would become eligible for bar licence as per the new policy.
Apart from this, 23 five-star hotels already have bar licences, said excise department sources. Among the 341 existing beer and wine parlours are many hotels below three-star category. They would continue to have beer and wine parlours. Many of these hotels may try to upgrade the facilities to obtain three-star category or above to get bar licence. Meanwhile, excise department sources said that the Supreme Court might be hearing a bunch of petitions from all states seeking exemption for bars and beer and wine parlours from the restriction on liquor outlets within 500 metres from highways. If the Supreme Court allows it, more bars could function in the state.
