Licence granted to 10 more bars: Kerala govt tells HC

The Kerala government today informed the High Court that it has granted licences to 10 more bars in compliance with the court's directions.
When the matter came up before Justice A V Ramakrishna Pillai, bar owners complained that the government was demanding a higher amount towards licence fee.
The government submitted that the excess amount was being levied towards additional services like lawn services.
Justice Pillai sought an explanation from the government in this regard and adjourned the case to February 4.
The High Court had earlier directed the government to grant licences to 10 more bars belonging to three-star and four-star category. Challenging this decision, the government filed appeals before a division bench and in the Supreme Court.

Both courts refused to stay the order and the government
had to grant licences.