Kalpetta: The Kerala government has granted licences to three more bars in Wayanad district. Licences of two in Bathery and one in Kalpetta have been approved. These bars will start functioning once the lockdown is lifted.

At present, there are six bars, six beer parlours and five Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) outlets in Wayanad.

The Excise department said that licences were approved after the Assembly session on March 13. There is no obstruction in providing licences to three star bars, it was only part of normal procedures, Excise officials further said.

However, senior Congress leader VM Sudheeran criticised the government’s move on approving bar licenses. "The government's claim that closing of liquor outlets amid lockdown could lead to serious issues, is being proved wrong. Lockdown has brought changes in Kerala society. People have adapted to the situation. In this situation, the government should try to adopt a new liquor policy," he added.

TN Prathapan MP responded that approving licences of bars after the Assembly session was dispersed due to coronavirus pandemic, shows the LDF government’s agenda.