'Final decision after discussion with UDF'; CM Satheesan to walk back on low alcohol liquor policy?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan made it clear in the assembly that low-alcohol beverages will be allowed only if the UDF's liquor policy is approved. He also confirmed that there will be no sale until then. The Chief Minister thus had to retract the big announcement made during the budget session.

The change in stance comes amid indifference within the UDF over the budget proposal to set tax rates for low-strength liquor containing 0.5 to 20% alcohol.

The liquor policy will be a political policy decision. The Chief Minister also clarified that it will be decided after discussing with all the constituent parties in the UDF. The tax will be decided after discussing with the finance department officials.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the previous government had amended the Foreign Liquor Act to allow the sale of liquor containing 0.5 to 20 per cent alcohol as announced in the Liquor Policy for 2022-23.

"When the Left government came to power, there were 28 bars. They increased it to 900. While the tax rate on wine was 86 per cent and on beer 116 per cent, the Left Front set a tax rate of 78 per cent for foreign-made foreign liquor with a strength of up to 60 per cent. The same LDF is now making allegations,” the Chief Minister criticised.

The UDF government set the tax at 120 per cent for liquor containing up to 10 per cent alcohol and 175 per cent for liquor containing between 10 and 20 per cent alcohol.