Thaindian News

Thiruvananthapuram, June 26 (IANS) Kerala’s Excise Minister P.K. Gurudasan Friday said there will be no ban on opening of new liquor shops but at the same time stressed that the government is running an awareness programme, which includes street plays and short film, on the ill-effects of alcohol.
“After this government assumed office, we have given licences for 85 bars, 18 beer parlours and 26 retail shops,” Gurudasan said in the assembly.

The Left Democratic Front government assumed office in May 2006.

Currently in the state there are 616 bars, 61 beer parlours and 377 retail shops that sell alcohol. All retail outlets are state-run.

The minister also informed the assembly that the government runs an anti-liquor programme with poster campaigns, de-addiction camps, seminars, street plays and rallies.

“A short film is also being completed to raise awareness among the public,” said Gurudasan.

Even as the government is running anti-liquor campaigns, the last fiscal saw sale of liquor and beer crossing Rs.4,600 crore up from Rs.3,669 crore in the previous financial year.

Senior Congress leader and a strong anti-liquor activist V.M. Sudheeran told IANS that it is sad to note that political parties do not give top priority to the menace of rampant alcoholism.

“The need of the hour is to reduce the availability and accessibility to liquor. An effective campaign in schools and colleges has to be run. The state government also has to come out with stringent laws against violators,” said Sudheeran.

“Another area which has to be seriously looked into is the illicit trade of toddy. If one looks into the total availability of toddy, it would be over in 10 days’ time. But all the shops in the state sell toddy on all days and it is illicit stuff, which is really dangerous for health,” said Sudheeran, who as the health minister banned the sale of arrack in 1996.