Kerala was pushed deeper into liquor consumption under the previous LDF government, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs O.J. Janeesh has alleged, claiming that the number of bars in the State increased from 29 to 884 during the LDF’s ten-year rule.

Responding to questions from reporters in Thrissur on Friday (June 26) on the proposed changes in the State’s liquor policy, Mr. Janeesh said the UDF government had not yet announced its liquor policy. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had already clarified in the Assembly that the government’s liquor policy will be finalised only after discussions within the UDF, he said.

The Minister also alleged that the first request seeking a reduction in tax on the company’s products was made by CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan when he was the Excise Minister. “The reduction in tax on foreign liquor in Kerala is part of a process that began in 2021,” he said.

Mr. Janeesh said what had been proposed so far was only a tax proposal and not the government’s liquor policy. Whether the proposal would be implemented would depend on the outcome of discussions within the UDF and the party, he added.

“The Chief Minister has made it clear that if the proposal is found suitable after deliberations, it will be implemented. If not, it will not be implemented,” the Minister said, adding that a final decision would be taken only after the consultations are completed.