THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has cancelled the approval given to three new breweries and one distillery.  Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the approval will be given only after further evaluation.

“Though there is nothing wrong in the approval given to new breweries and distilleries, the government is now cancelling the order because such a controversy may affect the rebuilding processes in the state following floods. It was earlier proved that the accusations raised by the opposition is baseless. Everyone is aware of the bar scam during the tenure of UDF government. People also know that the LDF government is against corruption. There is nothing wrong in the approval given to the breweries and blending units. However, at present, the government think that this situation should be changed. Though the sanction was cancelled at present, the government is not stepping back from the approval process. New units will be allowed if necessary. 8% of the total alcohol and 40% of the total beer distributed in the state is coming from abroad. Therefore, approval should be given to new units. Those who are interested to start a unit can submit a request. Approval will be given after proper evaluation”, said the chief minister.