Kerala Excise Department halts new liquor licences pending policy rollout

The Kerala Excise Department has issued a circular suspending the issuance of new liquor licences effective immediately, pending the formal promulgation of the state government's liquor policy framework.

The freeze comes after the government transferred Sreeram Samabasiva Rao from his position as Excise Commissioner, following controversy over the department's handling of venue classifications and licensing approvals. The controversy centred on the department's swift reclassification of certain bars and beer parlours, as well as the rapid approval granted to private operators seeking to establish lounge bars at Cochin International Airport Limited.

The administrative action reflects broader concerns about the procedural pace and decision-making processes within the Excise Department. By pausing new licence issuances, the government aims to ensure all future approvals align with its comprehensive liquor policy framework once formally notified.

The suspension is expected to remain in effect until the state government issues its formal liquor policy directive, which will establish standardised criteria and procedures for all licence applications going forward. The measure effectively resets the licensing process under new administrative oversight.