Kerala State Beverages Corporation to shift outlets after consultation

Thiruvananthapuram: In view of the widespread protests against the shifting of liquor outlets to new spots, the Kerala State Beverages Corporation has decided to consult local people’s representatives while identifying new shops. In a fresh directive to the regional managers and warehouse managers, KSBC managing director H. Venkatesh said that after identifying suitable shops, the KSBC officials should take the confidence of local political leaders, including the MLAs concerned, before shifting the shop.

The officials should try to convince the local politicians of the need to shift the shop. To avoid any problems, the local politicians should be taken into confidence before shifting the shops, said the directive. Of the 270 outlets of KSBC, about 180 have to be shifted. So far, only around 25 outlets could be changed. Mr. Venkatesh had earlier written to the government seeking a directive to district administrations and local bodies to help the KSBC in identifying new shops.