Won't go back on liquor policy: CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Wednesday made it clear that his government would not go back on its new liquor policy of limiting bar licenses to only 5-star hotels as part of a move to implement total prohibition in the state in 10 years' time.

Answering questions in this regard after a Cabinet meeting here, Chandy told reporters that the decision in this regard was not taken in a hasty manner and the matter was discussed for about five months.

As to the issue of loss of revenue for the state exchequer due to the new policy, Chandy said, "I am not taking the revenue loss of about Rs 7,000 crore lightly. However, the loss to society and drawbacks due to liquor consumption is much more than the revenue earned by the state."

The Cabinet also decided to give an Onam festival allowance of Rs 5,000 each to all the workers of the 412 bars in the state which have been already shut down. There were 7,467 employees in these bars.

As per the new policy, besides these 412 bars, notices have been issued to 312 other such establishments to close down by September 12.