Liquor sales in Kerala IT parks will have to wait

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Permission to operate liquor shops in IT and industrial parks may be delayed due to some administrative hurdles. Although the amendment is ready, the tax department can issue an order only after getting the government's approval.

The license fee will be decided based on the recommendation of the Excise Commissioner. The license fee for clubs to serve liquor is 20 lakhs. Excise had recommended that the same fee be applied to IT parks as well. With talks about the fee coming out, the officials have started to implore the Excise to reduce the amount.

Foreign companies willing to invest in the project have indicated the essentiality of bar/beer-wine parlours. It was the first Pinarayi government that decided to allow the sale of liquor in IT parks. The legislative subject committee had earlier approved the amendments despite seeing the ire of the opposition members. Apart from foreign liquor, beer and wine can also be sold. The distance limit prescribed for foreign liquor shops and bars is not likely to be applicable in IT parks.

Criteria for permitting liquor shops should also be prepared. There are 40 parks under the Industries Department. There are also parks under CIDCO and KSIDC.

Approval may be given only after going through the criteria such as the number of employees and the importance of the enterprise. Excise and Industry Ministers held discussions earlier but did not reach a consensus.