India

UDF Government to Introduce New Liquor Policy Emphasizing Responsible Drinking and Tourism

By PTI

The UDF government is developing a new liquor policy that aims to promote responsible drinking while protecting the interests of the tourism sector, said Excise Minister M Liju on Friday. Speaking to reporters in Thrissur, Liju said the policy would differ from the one introduced by the previous LDF government and would not continue its approach. He added that the government seeks to reduce alcohol consumption without harming the tourism industry, which provides employment and livelihood for many people. "We want to promote a culture of responsible drinking in Keralam. Reducing alcohol consumption and ensuring that the tourism sector is not weakened are both important. The government will adopt a balanced policy that addresses these concerns," he said.

Liju said the first round of discussions on the new policy was completed in October and the government plans to announce it in November, as already informed to the Kerala High Court. He referred to the former government’s Horti Wines policy, noting that the decision to allow sale of such products through bakeries had been made after amending the relevant rules. The present government has cancelled a licence that had been granted for selling Horti Wines through a bakery, stating that it did not consider it appropriate to allow beverages containing 15 per cent alcohol to be sold through such outlets. "Even though the concept of Horti Wines may benefit farmers, its distribution should be undertaken with social responsibility. Allowing wine with 15 per cent alcohol content to reach bakeries simply because the rules permit it is not beneficial to society," he said.

Liju said the Excise Department is examining whether licences had been issued by officials, including deputy excise commissioners, by invoking provisions amended during the previous LDF government's tenure in a manner contrary to the present government's policy approach. "Some licences can be issued at the level of deputy excise commissioners. We have received information suggesting that certain activities may have taken place contrary to the government's policy. These are being examined," he said. He added that the government would take strong action if it found that licences had been granted by using existing rules in violation of its policy. "The government has a clear position on this. The UDF's liquor policy will not be a continuation of the LDF's policy. It will be distinct and will place emphasis on social responsibility," he added.