Secret bar licences: Minister M Liju vows strict action; Excise Commissioner to submit detailed report today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Excise Minister M Liju has taken a tough stand over the granting of three bar licences in Ernakulam and Kottayam districts without the government's knowledge. Following the minister's demand for a detailed report, the Excise Commissioner submitted a preliminary report to the government on Tuesday. Excise Commissioner Sriram Sambasiva Rao, who is currently in Delhi, will submit a detailed report today after returning.

The controversy over permission to sell horticulture wine through bakeries had already put the Excise Department under criticism. The decision to convert beer and wine parlour licences into bar licences has further damaged the department's reputation. The minister is reportedly unhappy that the department has come under criticism despite his efforts to ensure that no controversy affects his portfolio.

Liju will also convey his displeasure to the Chief Minister over the Excise Commissioner's decision to defend the actions of the Deputy Excise Commissioners who granted the licences.

Deputy Excise Commissioners P.K. Satheesh and P.L. Shibu, who were suspended for granting the bar licences without the government's knowledge, had approached the Administrative Tribunal seeking relief. However, the tribunal refused to stay their suspension.

New liquor policy by November 30

The minister said the new liquor policy would be announced by November 30. An order will also be issued stating that bar licences should be granted only after the new policy is announced.

He said the lapses were partly due to the Excise Commissioner's lack of familiarity with the department's functioning during his initial days in office. Liju also said that changing the commissioner was an administrative matter.

Existing rules to be revised

The minister said the rules framed during the previous LDF government's tenure for granting bar licences would be examined in detail. The government is considering withdrawing the authority given to Deputy Excise Commissioners to convert beer and wine licences into bar licences. Liju said new rules would be framed to ensure that the Excise Minister is also informed before bar licences are granted.

The minister also expressed his displeasure with the previous LDF government and former Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh. He criticised the existing rules, saying they allowed officials at lower levels to take decisions on several matters without the government's knowledge. He said these rules had been introduced by the previous government.