Kerala HC asks State govt to issue liquor licenses to 22 four-star hotels

The court had then observed that the government policy to close down four star bars was against the Supreme Court order which asked not to discriminate between four and five-star hotels.

In the new liquor policy of the state government, four star bars were bound to face closure.

But the high court order in October gave relief for 33 four star hotels. With Tuesday’s verdict another batch of 22 four star hotels too can run bars. Some of the applications who got favourable verdict on Tuesday were included among the 418 bars which have been remaining closed since April.

With this verdict, 84 hotels in the categories of four, five and heritage classes would be allowed to operate out of 730 bars. The court had earlier partially ratified the state’s new liquor policy, which meant all two, three and sub-standard would remain closed.

However, the three star hotels got an extended life with the high court allowing them to function until their appeals against the government policy is settled.

Excise minister K Babu said the government would move appeal against the verdict. The new licences would be given based on the verdict in the appeal.

KPCC president V M Sudheeran, who is on a political tour across Kerala, said it was unfortunate that the court was torpedoing a government decision taken at social welfare. However, government chief whip said all bars would be opened when Sudheeran completes his political tour against liquor menace.