Last week, the Kerala government introduced a policy that is meant to deliver the state into prohibition in 10 years.
Just days after the Kerala government introduced a policy that is meant to deliver the state into prohibition in 10 years, KPCC or Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Chief VM Sudheeran, seen as the man behind the decision, said that "it was a decision taken after keeping in mind the needs of people and not the elections. But we hope that this move brings us only more support."
Speaking to NDTV, Mr Sudheeran said, "The decision has been well received. Kerala has been facing a very difficult situation because of influence of alcohol and drugs. Rate of road accident, mental and physical disorders, crime against women and children, domestic violence has been high."
The ruling UDF also said that starting next year, all bars will have to be hosted in five-stars. 400 stand-alone bars which have lost their licenses in the last year for failing to meet basic standards cannot petition for renewal.
A day later, the government decided to cancel the licences of 312 existing functional bars as soon as possible in accordance to the new Zero Alcohol Policy of the state. "The chief minister and I have had difference of point in views, which is natural in a democracy - but we discussed it to bring out a united stand."
Further justifying the closure, the KPCC chief said, "We have empirical research and data to back our decision, which was further strengthened by the reduction in crime rates and road accidents reported after the initial close down of bars few months back."