Thiruvananthapuram: CPI-M State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Thursday said that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) would collectively take a decision on the new liquor policy before April 1.
Talking o the media here, Balakrishnan said that the liberty to take a decision on the liquor policy was of the LDF. "LDF has the liberty to make changes in the liquor policy. The Front should be allowed to use that liberty. Media should not try to snatch it from us," he said.
The ruling CPI-M has reportedly come to an understanding on making wide ranging changes in UDF’s liquor policy by allowing the reopening of bars in tourist destinations besides scrapping the decision to shut down 10 per cent liquor outlets annually.
The proposals are being considered for LDF’s new liquor policy which has to come into effect from April 1, 2017.
As per reports, the stress of the new policy would be on relaxing norms for tourist destinations to make liquor available for tourists and for international conferences.
CPI-M and other LDF allies are of the view that UDF’s liquor policy which was flawed and brought in a haste, had resulted in bootlegging, illicit liquor, increased use of drugs and psychotropic substances.
The party is planning to come out with a comprehensive policy to protect and promote toddy sector. These schemes will be implemented with the active involvement of toddy workers.
The CPI-M proposals will be discussed in detail at the state committee meeting of LDF to be held after Assembly session and a final stamp on the new policy would be put then. The LDF is moving away completely from the UDF government’s policy of phased prohibition within ten years. It would be replaced with the LDF’s new temperance policy.