New liquor policy delayed, Toddy shop license extended to two more months

THIRUVANANATHAPURAM: With the new liquor policy still in work, the toddy shop license in the state will be extended for another two months. Even if the ministerial meeting on the new liquor policy takes place today, the completion of the scheme will take time. The new policy demands increased charges, and the owners will abide by the rules paying the required sum for license renewal.

The new liquor policy will come into effect only after a detailed discussion with both the toddy shops and bar owners in the state. A 30 lakh increase in fees will find a place in the new liquor policy. Meanwhile, the owners have beseeched the government to not increase fees for the loss they incurred during the covid season. However, the Excise department still stays cemented on its stance about increasing the bar fee.

The toddy shop owners' request to cut down the “chethu workers” from 5 to 3 will be considered by the government. A lot many have retired from this field and the new generation is hesitant to try this niche. It is a rule that the bars should work only at a distance of 40m away from religious institutions and educational ones.