As the High Court verdict to close down all two-and three-star bar hotels in Kerala came out on Thursday, the tipplers in Kochi were critical of the UDF government. And these bars witnessed a heavy rush, as people flocked in groups to enjoy their drinks for the last time in these watering holes.
Majority of them are of the view that the closure would only lead to the spread of illicit and spurious liquor across the State. They were also quick to recall the few hooch tragedies that took place years before.
Alongside the protests, there were also celebrations in different parts of the city to hail the decision. Most of these celebrations were organised under the aegis of the Congress and its feeder organisations.
According to the district unit of the Kerala Bar Owners Association, as many as 71 bars across the district will be closed down once the order is implemented.
Meanwhile, the verdict has left the fate of thousands of bar workers hanging in the balance. “We were pinning our hopes on a favourable verdict from the High Court which has now been belied. The government made the lofty promise of rehabilitation package but had fallen silent since then. ,” lamented Vijay M.G, a bartender in the city.
The verdict by Kerala High Court to close down all two and three star category bar hotel is a major boost to the new liquor policy by the United Democratic Front, KPCC President V.M. Sudheeran has said. Talking to media persons in Aluva on Thursday, Mr.Sudheeran said that the core objective of UDF liquor policy was to cut down the availability of liquor and consumption.“The UDF’s stand on the bar hotels was crucial while the government was keen on going ahead with the policy,” he said.
