THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are reports that the price of liquor in Kerala will go up after the lockdown days. The aim is to increase the income of the State by increasing the tax on liquor.

Currently, Kerala is one of the states that levy high tax on liquor. After the Central government relaxed lockdown restrictions, Delhi and UP resumed sale of liquor. Along with that, they also increased the tax on liquor. According to sources, the Kerala government is also planning to increase the tax on liquor along the same lines.

The liquor sale is an important source of income for Kerala. Liquor outlets and bars were closed soon after the lockdown was imposed nation-wide.

This resulted in sharp decrease in the State revenue, and the government has been struggling to find money to pay out salaries, pension and other arrears.

Under this circumstance, it is the Finance department that has recommended for increasing in liquor tax. However, a final decision on this will be taken only after political discussions.