Kerala's licensed clubs left out in liquor policy?

The Kerala government's policy to achieve prohibition will be achieved in a phased manner, state Congress chief V.M. Sudheeran said Thursday, hinting that licensed clubs frequented by the rich will continue to serve liquor.

Speaking to reporters here after an executive meeting of the Congress, Sudheeran said the government's policy was final and not negotiable, but did not give a clear answer on whether luxury clubs and wine and beer parlours will shut down.

"Today's meeting hailed the Kerala government's new liquor policy. We are very clear that no bars will be opened," he said.

As per the policy, only five-star hotels and the 383 state-owned retail liquor shops will be open, and in a phased manner by Oct 2, 2023, prohibition will be in force in Kerala.

However, after a meeting of the United Democratic Front Thursday evening, its convenor P.P. Thankachen said a final decision on clubs, wine and beer parlours was not taken yet.

More detailed talks will take place with all the allies, he said.

"The liquor policy has been hailed but a final decision on clubs and wine and beer parlours is not finalised," Thankachen told reporters.

Earlier in the day, bar owners in Kerala was allowed to serve liquor till Sep 30 as the Supreme Court Thursday ordered a status quo till then.

An apex court bench of Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice U.U. Lalit asked the Kerala High Court to hear a plea by the bar owners who have challenged the Kerala government notification asking them to pull down shutters on their businesses. The state order was effective Sep 11.

The court expressed hope that the high court will decide the matter by Sep 30.

The Kerala government order banning sale of liquor in bars was to come into force from 11 p.m. Thursday.