Kochi: The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) has filed an affidavit in the Kerala High Court stating that relocation of outlets along National and State Highways was impractical.
“Of the total bars that were closed down as part of the liquor policy, about 14 bars were functioning on the highways,” the affidavit said.
Replying to questions in the Assembly, Minister for Excise K. Babu Monday had said the government would not open any new Bevco outlets.
The Kerala High Court had directed the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) to shift all retail liquor shops located on the national and state highways.
The division bench had passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation that such shops on the highways make it easy for vehicle drivers to buy liquor and have been a major cause of accidents.
The petitioner had also said that such Bevco outlets are a hindrance to vehicular traffic on the highways.