Team News Riveting
Kochi, October 8
The Kerala government has decided not to reopen the bars across the state that are closed following COVID-19.
The decision was taken at a high level meeting of top-level officials chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. It was decided that bars would not be reopened in the state for now.
Sources said that the Excise Department was desperate to open the bars following sinking revenue but the chief minister was adamant. Vijayan said amidst the rising COVID-19 cases, it would not be appropriate to open up the businesses yet.
There are about 596 bars and 350 beer and wine parlours managed by the public and private sectors across the state.
Bars and beverages outlets in the state were shut from March 23 following the lockdown. However, in May, the government resumed liquor sale through the state-run beverage outlets and had also allowed over-the-counter sale of liquor from bars.
A special mobile application ‘BevQ’ was launched to regulate crowds, enabling people to maintain virtual queues.
Despite the lockdown and bars being shut, Kerala sold liquor worth Rs 520 crore during the Onam season. Interestingly, it was Rs 33 crore higher than last year’s sale revenue during the festive season.
