The Kerala High Court on Thursday upheld the state policy of banning all liquor bars, except those in four or five star hotels, a move which Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said was instrumental to move towards total prohibition in Kerala.
"The judgement by the High Court says that the court will not interfere in the government policy. Some conditions imposed in the amendment have been struck off, that is, four star hotels and five star hotels have been classed together," lawyer Dencil Attepety told ANI.
"Only 34 hotels, which carry a four or five star status, will be allowed to serve liquor, Attepety added.
In August, Chandy cancelled the permits of bars across the state, adding that only five star hotels would be allowed to serve alcohol. This move prompted bar associations to file a PIL against the new policy.
