Chhattisgarh HC asks state to frame new liquor policy

The Kerala Government has announced a new liquor policy for the state. The state government has decided to reverse the restricted liquor policy of the previous government and allow the re-opening of bars. As per the new policy, the government will allow the bars to function in hotels with three-star status and above. The 5-star hotels are already allowed to open bars. Hotels below 3-star category will be allowed to run beer and wine parlours.

The bars will remain open from 11 am to 11pm. Bars will be allowed to remain open from 10 am to 11pm in tourism centres. Both international and domestic terminals of the airports will be allowed to sell liquor. The permissible age limit for consuming liquor has been increased from 21 to 23.

The new liquor policy will protect the interests of the traditional liquor, toddy. Bars, including the 5-star ones, will be allowed to sell toddy. Toddy Board will be constituted to protect the interests of the industry.

Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala, said, "The UDF policy of restricted liquor policy was a failure. It has led to an increase in the demand for drugs. The Supreme Court order on closure of bars and liquor stores on the highways will be implemented."

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has said that the government's decision to allow Jharkhand Beverage Corporation Limited (JBCL) to control the retail business of liquor was aimed at complete prohibition of liquor in the state.

"The government has decided to allow the corporation to control the retail liquor business and gradually make people aware before imposing liquor ban so that there is complete involvement of the people," Das said.

Referring to the meeting with the corporate representatives, Das said, "Tata Steel would provide Rs 15 crore, which is one per cent of the amount to be received under corporate social responsibility for Swach Bharat Mission (rural) in East and West Singhbhum district per annum."

"The amount would be utilised to make the district free from open defecation," he said.

"Tata Motors has been entrusted with the responsibility to develop 45 villages in East Singhbhum district as ODF," he said.

The chief minister also said that the youth of the state would be provided with skill development training along with quality education.

"The government would launch recruitment process from July to enrol 45,000 people in various departments including teachers and police," he said, adding that a men and women battalion of primitive tribe would also be raised.

Besides, the government would also form 'Entrepreneur Sakhi Mandal' to empower women.

Asked on the recently concluded Global Investors Summit, the chief minister said that investment was needed for all round development of the state and emphasis has been given to encourage small and medium scale industries for development of rural pockets.