Record sales in bar hotels after closure of 418 bars

Kerala Beverages Corporation today informed the High Court that during the last eight months since the closure of 418 bars, there has been record sales of liquor in the remaining bar hotels in the state.

According to the affidavit submitted to the court on a batch of petitions challenging the government's new liquor policy and closure of bar hotels, the corporation said during the last 8 months, there has been an additional income of Rs 517 crore from sale of foreign liquor from their outlets.

During this period, liquor sales from 312 bar hotels, which is also facing closure threat, had doubled. While last year's sale from the bar hotels was Rs 271.50 crore, during the eight month period, the income of the 312 bars came to Rs 403.85 crore, it was stated.

Figures indicated that sales of liquor in the bars now functioning has considerably increased even after closure of 418 bars and there is a record increase in sales of liquor.

The government had not renewed the license of the 418 bars stating they were sub-standard. The government also ordered the closure of 312 bars, except those in the five star category, challenging which bar hotel owners approached the High Court. The court after hearing all the parties posted the case for orders.