Issued bar licences without government approval: Two Excise officials suspended

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two Excise officials have been suspended for issuing bar licences to three establishments without the government's approval. Excise Deputy Commissioners P.K. Satheesh and Shibu P.L. were suspended following the incident. Excise Minister M Liju had expressed strong displeasure over the matter.

After the UDF government came to power, bar licences were granted to one establishment in Kottayam and two in Ernakulam after changing their classification. The officials issued the licences in violation of the government's directive not to grant any new licences until a decision was taken on the new liquor policy. Minister M Liju intervened in the matter and directed the department to take strict action against those responsible for the lapse. The suspension followed a preliminary inquiry conducted by the Excise Commissioner.