‘Kerala has turned into a bar’: Latin Catholic Church opposes low-alcohol liquor tax cut move

Thiruvananthapuram: The Latin Catholic Church has voiced strong opposition to the government's move to promote low-alcohol content liquor in Kerala, urging the UDF administration to halt the proposed tax cut until thorough public discussions are held.

Speaking to a television channel, Latin Church priest Eugine Pereira expressed hope that the government would reconsider its stance. "I expect that the government will discuss and then take an appropriate decision in the matter. That is what the public wants," he stated.

Pereira also criticised the state's heavy reliance on liquor revenue, claiming that Kerala has effectively "turned into a bar" because the government views alcohol primarily as a source of income. He further argued that despite the financial benefits, the social costs are devastating, linking alcohol consumption to rising domestic violence, road accidents, family disputes and suicides among women.

According to Pereira, Chief Minister V D Satheesan has offered assurances that a Cabinet sub-committee will be established to review the issue, ensuring that public sentiment is factored into the final decision.

The controversy stems from the government's decision to slash the tax on low-alcohol content liquor from 251% down to 120%. The move has drawn sharp criticism from multiple sectors, including the CPM-led LDF opposition. The LDF has alleged that the tax reduction will drain hundreds of crores from the state exchequer to benefit private liquor manufacturing companies, while simultaneously driving up alcohol consumption among the youth.

PTI