Fundraising not for headquarters building; Kerala Hotel Association's claims debunked amid bar controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the Bar controversy is raging, the Federation of Kerala Hotel Association's claim that it asked its members to pay Rs 2.5 lakh each to buy a headquarters building in the capital has been debunked. 1 lakh each was collected four months ago. 6.30 crore including registration fee was required for the building.

Before the Lok Sabha elections, two lakhs each were collected to donate to political parties. The present collection was said to be for the elimination of dry day, extension of time limit for bars etc. Bar owners were asked to pay Rs 2.5 lakh and beer and wine parlors Rs 1 lakh.

The bar owners had hope that the dry day would be lifted when the government decided to start selling alcohol in the IT sector and industrial parks. Foreign companies willing to invest in the IT sector also indicated the availability of alcohol.

In the meeting called by the Chief Secretary, a proposal was also made to relax the availability of alcohol in the tourism sector. It is in this context that the matter was discussed in the association meeting. It is also indicated that some members expressed their displeasure at the continuous collection in the meeting.