THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 29 years have passed since former chief minister A K Antony implemented the arrack ban with the good intention of freeing Kerala from alcohol addiction. Arrack is almost nonexistent in Kerala now, but alcohol consumption is reaching new heights.

Later, in 2014, when the Oommen Chandy government closed 418 bars as part of its liquor policy, it imposed a cess on Indian-made foreign liquor and collected Rs. 1345 crore to rehabilitate the unemployed arrack workers. However, there is little detail on where the money went. Presently, only 1000 arrack workers are left in Kerala.

Following the ban, around 5,600 arrack shops were closed. The exchequer used to earn around Rs 250 crore from the sale of arracks. Around 350 workers who lost their jobs due to the ban committed suicide. Some of their dependents were given temporary jobs at BEVCO shops and other places.

The total assistance received was Rs. 30,000 each for about 12,000 workers who were members of the welfare fund. After the arrack ban, Congress, hopeful of a return to power, received a shock as LDF came to power in Kerala.

In the old days, arrack was produced from toddy but was not legal. Later, the sale of arrack came under government control. Permission for this was given to private individuals or companies through auctions. The usual quantity was 100 ml. 180 ml powder bottles were also available in shops.