In a major move, the Kerala government on Thursday approved the new liquor policy under which all closed down bars in three and four -star hotels would be allowed to reopen.
The timing of the bars has been changed from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., while in tourist places it will get an hour's extension, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The minimum age to drink liquor has also been raised from 21 years to 23.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, announcing the new policy, said he has full regard for the anti-liquor campaigners but "this is not a feasible and practical solution" and hence they were forced to come out with the new policy.
He said toddy will be allowed to be served in star hotels, which was not allowed earlier.
--IANS
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