Cabinet approves new liquor policy

Thiruvananthapuram: The cabinet on Wednesday ratified the new liquor policy of the Congress led UDF government which envisaged to shut down bars attached to hotels below the five-star category as part of its plans to reduce availability of liquor.

Further decisions would be taken after consultations with Party members, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters during cabinet briefing here. "Several matters, including issues related to beer and wine parlours and clubs serving liquor, have to be incorporated in the new policy," he said and added that the UDF decision to close down the 730 bars in the State was a bold step.

The High Court on Tuesday had observed that without making necessary amendments in the Excise rules, the new liquor policy of the government announced last week would not get the legal sanction.

The 312 bars attached to three and four star hotels have been asked to shut down by the government as a part of its new liquor policy. The government had given a time till Sept 17 to make the required changes.