Liquor sales: Kerala IT parks get green signal from Subject Committee

Thiruvananthapuram: Despite facing opposition from the Congress-led UDF, the Subject Committee of the Legislative Assembly on Thursday approved the state government's proposal to allow the sale of liquor in the state's IT parks.

The decision regarding the same will be taken after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is withdrawn after the election results.

The recent amendments to the regulations permit bar owners to sell alcohol in IT parks. FL4C licenses will be granted to IT parks with a license fee of Rs 20 lakh. The operating hours for the outlets will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The outlets will be managed either directly by the IT park or by a company designated by the promoter.

The current decision regarding setting up liquor outlets follows the state's policy during Pinarayi Vijayan's initial tenure. The explanation provided was to encourage foreign companies. Despite considerable controversy, the government has moved forward with its decisions.

During Pinarayi Vijayan's second term as Chief Minister, the Excise Minister introduced an amendment bill in the legislative assembly and passed it. Initially, the Excise Commissioner proposed granting permission exclusively for IT parks to operate outlets directly. However, the subject committee opposed this proposal and allowed outside parties to apply for a license.

The promoters who manage park operations will be permitted to obtain licenses. The amendments enable promoters to authorise private parties with suitable expertise to operate outlets. However, it was argued that this might lead to bar owners holding a monopoly over liquor sale. The government clarified that the responsibility would lie with the promoters if operations failed. 

Meanwhile, the government had been contemplating allowing liquor sales in restaurants in the wake of the recent policy changes. Discussions are ongoing regarding allowing toddy sales in five-star hotels and wine sales in restaurants. The government will likely take a decision on the matter after the MCC is withdrawn.