Pathanamthitta (Kerala): The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has strongly objected to the LDF government’s decision to revise bar operating hours in Kerala, warning that the move could adversely affect the state’s younger generation.

The Church’s response came after the government decided to extend bar timings from 10 am to midnight, replacing the earlier schedule of 11 am to 11 pm.

LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan clarified that the change was not a new policy initiative, noting that similar timings were already in place in tourist destinations. He maintained that the government had previously adopted a policy allowing bars to function from 10 am to midnight.

Earlier in the day, advocate Biju Oommen, association secretary of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, criticised the decision, arguing that it would negatively impact society, particularly young people.

"Does the government want the youth to sleep in the bars? People in the state are apprehensive of what would be the result of allowing bars to remain open so long," he told reporters.

Oommen further alleged that the government was "disregarding the tears of mothers for the needs of bar owners" and asked, "Is there no other way to fill the state's coffers".

The National Resource Centre for non-communicable diseases, an initiative of the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC)-India, also opposed the revised timings. In a statement, it criticised the move, describing it as a decision taken "under the pretext of promoting tourism" and termed it a "regressive and deeply irresponsible policy".

The organisation warned that the step posed "a threat to society, public health and the future of the youth".

"It is deeply concerning that the present Kerala government, since its inception, has repeatedly taken steps that appear to promote alcohol availability in the state in various ways that favour the liquor industry, rather than prioritising public health and social welfare.

"Public policy must be guided by evidence, constitutional responsibility, moral accountability and not commercial interests disguised as tourism promotion. We urge the Kerala government to revoke this decision immediately...," said Johnson J Edayaranmula, executive director of the National Resource Centre for non-communicable diseases.

Responding to the criticism, Ramakrishnan reiterated that the revised timings were based on an existing policy decision taken earlier by the government.

"In tourist locations, bars are already running from 10 am to midnight in accordance with this policy. Once a general decision is taken, related departments can act in accordance with it at any time," he said.

He added that he did not see anything inappropriate in the change and stressed that Kerala was witnessing a steady rise in tourist arrivals, making such facilities necessary.

If concerns arise, the matter can be discussed at the government level and further clarifications issued if required, he said, rejecting suggestions that the move was made at the behest of private bar associations.
PTI