SC puts cancellation of Kerala bar licenses on hold
The apex court bench headed by Justice Anil R. Dave asked the state government not to enforce the banning of liquor bars.
The bench said it would hear the plea filed by an association of bar owners on Thursday.
Keeping in line with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s motive to turn the state “booze-free” within 10 years, The Kerala government last month has passed an order banning the sale of liquor at bars and hotels below the five-star category.
The ban was expected to come into force from Sep 11.
According to the State Government’s diktat, more than 700 Kerala bars were scheduled to lose their licenses.
It has been learnt that, the bar owners in their petition alleged “partiality” on State Government’s part.
They protested Government's recent decision to turn the state only five-star hotels will be allowed to keep serving booze.
Bar owners who have taken the government to court say if there is an alcohol ban, state tourism will be badly hurt as a whole.
The tourists will start opting for other regional destinations - perhaps the beaches of nearby Goa or Sri Lanka, media reported.
Reacting to the plea, the top court on Wednesday questioned the logic of exempting five-stars and said it will deliberate on the policy on Thursday.
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