Prohibition groups seek return of local bodies' liquor outlet powers in Kerala

Prohibition and anti-narcotic campaigners in Kerala have urged the State government to bring back the regulatory powers that local self-government bodies once held over the establishment of liquor outlets. The demand was placed before Excise Minister M. Liju during a consultation held in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday with around 20 organisations working on anti-liquor and anti-narcotic campaigns.

The meeting marks the start of the United Democratic Front government's consultations with stakeholders ahead of framing a new liquor policy. Representatives of several associations said their central demands included restoring the role of local bodies in deciding on liquor outlets in their areas and a rethink of proposals that encourage the availability of low-alcohol beverages.

Hussain Madvoor, Patron of the Kerala State Prohibition Council, said any move to lower taxes or otherwise widen the availability of low-strength alcoholic drinks should be reconsidered in view of its possible impact on public health and family welfare. He also sought the restoration of the earlier legal provision that gave local bodies a participatory role in deciding on liquor outlets in their jurisdictions, a provision he said was removed in 2017 by the then government.

Iyyachery Kunhikrishnan, president of the Kerala Madya Nirodhana Samithi, echoed these demands. He said his forum had also called for committees with statutory powers at the local body level to check the manufacture and distribution of illicit liquor and other intoxicants. Describing the consultation as a positive gesture, he expressed confidence that the government would consider their demands favourably.

The campaigners further demanded that the number of liquor outlets in the State be halved over the next five years by reducing them by 10% each year.

Excise department sources said the government has not yet taken any decision on the upcoming policy and regards hearing all stakeholders, including prohibition activists, as important. Consultations with employees in the sector are scheduled for Friday, while meetings with former Excise ministers, prominent members of society, toddy parlour licensees and bar owners will be held in the coming days. The consultations are expected to conclude by October 1, with the policy likely to be drafted by mid-October.

Minister Liju had recently said the government aims to frame a balanced and socially responsible liquor policy that also supports tourism and industry, after considering views from all sections of society.