Sale of liquor in IT parks; commendable change in alcohol policy

A complete ban on alcohol is not practical in India. Alcohol is readily available on the black market in states where alcohol is banned. Gujarat is a state that has had an alcohol ban for many years. Bihar is also currently under an alcohol ban. Police reports indicate that foreign alcohol smuggled from other states and the sale of counterfeit alcohol is taking place in large numbers in these places. Therefore, these states are not getting tax revenue from the sale of alcohol, while the counterfeit alcohol mafias that make money illegally are flourishing. A complete ban on alcohol is a failed system all over the world, except for a few countries in the Gulf and elsewhere.

There is also a big risk that when alcohol is banned, it will be replaced by other things, including deadly chemical drugs. Moreover, since alcohol consumption has become a part of business promotion and other activities in the changing times, a complete change from it is not possible. Therefore, most states, including Kerala, have adopted the policy of serving alcohol legally. The excise rules and laws of each state are different. In the northern Indian states, if one goes to a hotel with a bar, they will serve alcohol in the restaurant as well. However, this is not the case in Kerala. Anything in excess is poisonous; this includes alcohol too. However, moderate consumption of alcohol is generally not considered harmful. Whether to consume alcohol or not is also a matter of the freedom of an adult.

Any government decision related to alcohol tends to become controversial in Kerala. During the UDF regime, even when bars and hotels were closed, beverage shops were operating. However, can anyone say that Kerala was saved from the alcohol disaster with that government decision? The number of excise cases in this regard indicates that the bar shutdown and the subsequent alcohol ban as part of Covid have increased the use of cannabis and chemical drugs in Kerala. Therefore, bringing a timely change in the alcohol policy is definitely welcome. The government has now given permission to serve alcohol in government and private IT parks in the state. This is permitted in all foreign countries. IT employees do not go around drunk and partying just because of it.

Technopark, Infopark, Cyberpark, Smart City, etc. will benefit from this. The license fee is Rs. 10 lakh. Only one license will be allowed per park. The liquor shop should be in a part adjacent to the companies. It should not be directly connected to the offices. The dry day on the first of every month will apply to them as well. Locals will not be allowed to consume alcohol from here. Clubs are now operating in a similar manner. In addition to authorized employees of the companies, guests and official visitors will be allowed to enter IT liquor shops. This was one of the main demands put forward by many foreign IT companies in Kerala in previous discussions with the government. It is commendable that it was accepted, albeit belatedly. Following this, the government should take steps to further relax the sale of liquor in the tourism sector as well.