THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM state secretariat has approved the draft liquor policy of the state government, including the proposal to start liquor shops for IT employees.

Indications are that the closure of liquor shops on the first day of every month will not change. The excise department will review and report on the changes suggested by the CPM leadership meeting and then it will be considered at the next cabinet meeting. The new liquor policy will come into force in April with amendments to be decided by the cabinet.

The beverages corporation had proposed to open 175 new bars to control congestion. This was approved by the CPM with amendments. New liquor stores will be set up only where space is available so as not to affect people. Fees, including bar and club licenses, will increase slightly. The draft policy also states that a track and trace system will be implemented to monitor toddy sales from toddy collection to shopkeeping.

Track & Trace aims to prevent the sale of fake toddy. Software will be brought for this. It is estimated that there are 5194 toddy shops and 12,000 toddy tappers. The daily production of toddy is 40,000 litres. Along with the liquor policy, benefits will also be announced to farmers to produce low-alcohol liquor from fruits.