This Article is From Aug 20, 2016

Kerala Government Drops Plan For 'Online' Liquor Sales For Onam

Kerala Government Drops Plan For 'Online' Liquor Sales For Onam

Consumerfed chairman said it was only a suggestion to avoid long queues outside liquor outlets.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has dropped a move to start online liquor sales in the state during the Onam festival. 

The CPI-M led LDF government had been facing flak after reports emerged that state owned Co-operative Consumers Federation (Consumerfed) has proposed move to introduce online foreign liquor trade during Onam. The government has denied the reports.

Tourism and Cooperation Minister AC Moideen said that neither the state owned Co-operative Consumers Federation (Consumerfed) nor the government has taken any decision to start online liquor trade.

Attacking the government over the issue, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said UDF would not in anyway accept this and alleged that the government plan was part of its agreement entered with the liquor lobby in the state.

The LDF government initiative in this sector was in favour of encouraging liquor consumption in Kerala, he said.

Criticising the new proposal, BJP state President Kummanam Rajasekharan had said the initiative would hurt the state's 'pride and glory' during Onam festival.   

Consumerfed chairman M Mehboob had stated on August 19 that the plan was to launch online liquor sales during Onam, but that it would be implemented only after discussions with the state government.

Consumers registering for the products online could order their favourite brand and collect it from outlets by presenting the bill, he had said and added it was only a suggestion to avoid long queues outside liquor outlets.

Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan had said the proposal was yet to come up before the government and that a decision would be taken when it comes before it.

Consumerfed had later stated that it would not deliver liquor via courier or post at the doorsteps of consumers.
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