Kerala Minister seeks report on Excise Commissioner over bar licences issued against directive

Kerala Minister M. Liju has sought a report on the actions of the Excise Commissioner, who allegedly violated a government directive prohibiting the issuance of new bar licences until a decision is taken on the state's liquor policy.

After the UDF government came to power, the Deputy Commissioner of Excise reclassified three establishments and granted them bar licences — one in Kottayam and two in Ernakulam. The licences were issued in June. The Minister said an explanation would be sought from the officials concerned, and an inquiry would be conducted into how the applications were processed.

Under the existing rules, the Deputy Commissioner has the authority to convert establishments that have operated as beer parlours for 10 to 13 years from FL-11 to FL-3 (bar) licences within 24 hours, without conducting an inspection. The Excise Commissioner, meanwhile, is authorised to grant bar licences, including to establishments operating in airport lounges.

However, the Minister said issuing licences through this route without inspections amounted to a lapse, particularly when a specific government directive was in force.

The government is also considering amendments to the Abkari Rules to prevent the misuse of existing provisions that allow the Excise Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners to grant licences directly. The Minister said the government intends to streamline the process by ensuring strict adherence to procedures and clearly defining the powers of officials at different levels.

The Commissioner’s decision to issue orders on matters that the government had specifically directed officials not to act upon will also be examined, despite his awareness of the proposed changes to the liquor policy.

An inquiry will establish whether the licences were issued even after the Additional Chief Secretary had communicated the government's position. Based on the findings of the report, further action, including the possible transfer of the Excise Commissioner, will be considered.

The Minister said there was no intention to shield any official and that action would be taken in accordance with established procedures.