Highest number of bars in Ernakulam, followed by Thrissur; second Pinarayi govt issued 131 bar licenses

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: This financial year is not likely to see a new liquor policy in the state due to the upcoming by-elections, which have prompted the enforcement of a moral code of conduct until November 24. With only four months left in the fiscal year, the existing policy will likely remain in place. Although the liquor policy file has been prepared, it's yet to be considered by the cabinet. The cabinet has not returned the file.

It has almost become certain that the main demand of bar owners to scrap the Dry Day observed on the first day of every month will not be fulfilled, especially following the bribe allegations from months ago. The bar owners also need not fear a hike in the license fee. However, toddy shop license holders had anticipated certain decisions from the cabinet to support the toddy industry. Their only relief is the cabinet's decision to extend the licenses for toddy shops until March 31.

Meanwhile, the government is continuing to grant bar licences at will. The second Pinarayi government has issued 131 bar licenses so far. 118 licenses were issued in the last two years alone. The procedures to grant a license to a new bar are in progress. Around 10 hotels are being built in anticipation of bar licenses.

Ernakulam (195) is the district with the highest number of bars, followed by Thrissur with 112.

The government had announced that a toddy board would be formed to raise the standard of toddy shops and to make value-added products from toddy. However, nothing has materialized apart from the formation of the toddy board.

• Total bars- 836
• Bars that were issued licenses during the term of the second Pinarayi government- 131
• Total toddy shops- 4700