Kerala hotels with 3 stars or above can now sell liquor

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."