The Kerala government's new zero liquor policy has received the backing of the High Court. The court, in fact, asked the government to amend the existing liquor laws and inform it about the changes on September 17.
The observations came during the hearing of a plea for the renewal of licences of 418 bars. On August 21, the state government had refused to renew their licences after an audit report indicated the bars were sub-standard.
A day later, as part of its phased plan to move the state towards prohibition, the government decided to cancel the licences of another 312 bars. Today, the excise minister is to meet senior officials to decide the modalities of cancellation.
Government sources said closure notices to the owners could be the first step. But there are other issues involved if legal hurdles are to be avoided.
As per policy, in case of cancellation, the government has to refund the fees for the remaining licenced period to the owner.