It is difficult to imagine any tourist spot without liquor. Going to any tourist spot and that too without liquor can be a pilgrimage like experience. Half of the fun in tourist places like Europe, America, Thailand, Indonesia, Dubai and Singapore is because of liquor. In our country whether it is fanny in Goa or foreign vodka, the enjoyment of tour only comes with liquor. There is a state in India which attracts tourist in large numbers, but now there is decline in that sector, the reason is liquor ban.
Liquor was banned in Kerala in 2014. However, later amendment was made in the excise policy and liquor was allowed to be served in hotels, restaurants and other important places. Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland and Lakshadweep are already dry states.The situation is not good, but people in Kerala’s business community have every hope that they will be successful in reversing the decision. Due to liquor ban, the number of tourists coming to Kerala is decreasing day by day.
Liquor Earning In U.P Growing Day by Day
Businessmen associated with Kerala’s hotel and tourism sector are also fighting constantly against liquor ban at their level. Recently, on their writ, the Supreme Court while giving immediate relief to bar owners of Kerala has ordered the state government to keep the status quo by 30th September on immediate closure of 730 bars. The Kerala government was planning to ban liquor completely from June 21, 2019. Hotel owners however approached the Supreme Court against this decision of the state government, they fear that prohibition of liquor will not be good for tourism sector, and because of this they will have to bear heavy losses
The Bench of two Supreme Court judges advised the Kerala High Court to complete hearing of the petition of Bar owners against notification of the state government till September 30. The Bench said that it hopes that the Kerala High Court will complete the hearing of the related petition till 30th of September and until then status quo will be maintained .
Gujarat Asks Center To Compensate Liquor Ban
The Kerala government had issued a notification for the suspension of operation of 730 bars which did not fall under the category of five-star hotels, from September 12. Bar owners have argument that when the toddy shops can run in the state, liquor sales can be done in hotels, then why are they being kept aside ? Bar owners say that the validity of the licenses given to them by the government is valid till March 31, 2015. In such a situation it is unfair and illegal to terminate the license prematurely. Although the Government of Kerala argues that selling liquor can not be the fundamental right. The government has the right to cancel the license even during the intervening period.
Ban Like Gujarat
The Supreme Court, appreciating the liquor ban in Gujarat, asked the Kerala government if it wants to ban liquor sales in the state, so why does it not impose a complete ban like Gujarat? It has been said in the notification that from 12th September only five star hotels in the state will be able to sell liquor. After this order, 730 bars were at risk that their licenses will be terminated.
Cottage and Beer Scheme To Be Launched in Goa
President of Hotel and Restaurant Association of Kerala, G. Sudheesh Kumar has welcomed this decision of the judges and expressed hope that the High Court will reverse this decision. They say, the ball is now in Honorable Kerala High Court. We believe that the court will take an acceptable and prudent decision in the interest of tourism. We should expect better and be prepared for the worse.
The hotel located in Kovalam, Chief Executive Kumar of Hotel Sea Face, has begun asking the hotel to cancel the European tourist booking. Kerala is the preferred destination for tourists due to its coast, river boats and tea gardens, with 3.4 crore population alcoholism is a big problem in the state of Kerala , that is why the government decided to ban liquor suddenly.