THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A decision has been taken not to open the bars soon in the state. The decision was taken at the high level meet presided over by the chief minister. Reports said the meeting was of the view that it will not be appropriate to open the bars as the number of COVID patients in the state has crossed 10,000. The chief minister was of the stand that a decision in opening the bars could be taken when the transmission of the disease drops.

The excise department had given a report to the government seeking permission to open the bars. The report stated that permission should be given to open them with strict restrictions. The bar owners association had also approached the government when other states gave permission to open the bars. Bars are presently opened in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Delhi.