Politics · India Bureau
Kerala halts new bar licences pending formal alcohol policy review
The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has imposed a freeze on issuing new liquor licences for bars and wine parlours, pending the rollout of a comprehensive alcohol policy. The move follows the removal of the state's Excise Commissioner and signals a broader review of licence-granting procedures.
LSN India ·
Kerala's alcohol licensing regime faces a significant overhaul as the state government enforces a moratorium on new bar and wine parlour permits. The freeze, announced by the Congress-led United Democratic Front administration, will remain in effect until a formal alcohol policy framework is implemented.
The decision follows the removal of Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao, signalling administrative changes within the state's excise department. Excise Minister M. Liju indicated that the government intends to undertake a comprehensive review of existing licence-granting procedures and protocols.
The moratorium affects all categories of new liquor retail outlets, including bars, wine shops, and beer parlours across the state. Officials have not announced a timeline for when the new alcohol policy will be finalised or when the licensing freeze will be lifted.
The move reflects broader efforts by the Kerala administration to restructure its approach to alcohol regulation and licensing practices. The review is expected to address procedural inefficiencies and establish clearer guidelines for future licence issuance.