Kochi: The High Court on Tuesday directed the UDF government to make its new liquor policy, limiting bar licenses to just 5 star hotels, into a law.
The state government informed the court about its new liquor policy, by which it aims to make the state alcohol-free in the next 10 years. The court asked the state to take further steps in making the new policy into a law.
According to the government's new liquor policy, 418 bars that have been closed down over poor facilities will not be issued fresh licenses and licenses of remaining 312 bars would not be renewed.
Bar owners in Kerala on Monday approached the High Court challenging the government's decision to close over 700 bar hotels in the state maintaining it was discriminatory.
According to the petitioners all licenses should be considered as one class. Licenses granted to five star hotels and other bars cannot be treated differently.