Different Opinion Over banning liquor

Thiruvananthapuram Reacting to the court's decision, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said, "The Supreme Court's order is a recognition of the government's liquor policy. I want to ask opposition, what is opposition's view are they supporting this liquor policy. They alleged that it was not a well thought out move. Now supreme Court has approved this. Our liquor policy was not taken in a day but right from the time when K Karunakaran was CM our liquor policy has been the same. It was to reduce the availability of liquor. Everyone should co-operate. We are fighting against this social evil of liquor and to save families. " It is a major setback for the bar owners and guzzlers in Kerala as the Supreme Court has upheld the state government’s liquor policy that allows liquor only in five star hotels. This liquor policy created quite a political turmoil in the state as former finance minister KM Mani was forced to resign following bribe allegations. The Keralites have mixed reactions to the state government's liquor policy. While some feel that the policy is the way ahead for a better future of the society some feel it's discriminatory and will affect the tourism industry. Bar owners was expecting respite from the Supreme Court. They challenged in court that the state's liquor policy was discriminatory and it affected their right to trade. They stated that the tourism industry is also affected. Meanwhile the state government maintained that the policy was keeping in mind the well being of the people and how they intended to prohibit liquor in a phased manner in a period of 10 years. Suresh Pillai, Vice president, South Indian Hoteliers and Restaurant Association expressed displeasure over the decision. He said “the verdict is very disappointing. We thought we would have a better 2016. About 60 percent reduction in business, conferences, marriage many evening functions don't happen here. Many marriage parties that used to happen in Kovalam going to other states and even Sri Lanka. Tourism and business affected." The order will create repercussions in the UDF. There is already allegation against excise Minsiter K Babu. More drama that happened behind the curtains will come out and it will affect the UDF.

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