Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has refused to grant permission for hotel dining and the reopening of theatres and bars. A decision regarding this was taken at the COVID review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Saturday.

At present, dining at bars and hotels is restricted in the state. Only parcel service is allowed. The meeting observed that no permission will be granted for dining at hotels and bars in the present circumstances.

Earlier, bar owners requested the government to reopen the bars. But the government has decided not to consider this request.

Meanwhile, the state will reopen schools from November 1 after a long gap of one year and six months.