Liquor Prohibition in Kerala...Was it the right decision?
It was year 1996 when local liquor - Arrack was prohibited in Kerala by Congress government. The government made such a decision after many bad incidents occurred killing thousands of men who consumed local alcohol. Afterwards government began to 'feed' Keralites with foreign liquor in cheap rate and earned a big revenue as well. It's almost 4 or 5 times expensive to buy from hotels and other outlets.
In the past one year or so, hot war is going on between state government and 3 star hotels regarding the renewal of license of selling liquor, minimum requirements of bar hotel etc etc. But now Government has decided not to renew the license of existing 418 bar hotels and liquor will be available in 5 star hotels only. In the coming 10 years, government will reduce its supplying outlets 10% every year to declare Kerala 'Liquor Prohibited State' after 10 years.
Decision was right and almost all organizations have welcomed it. For me too, it's a welcome decision. Kerala is the highest alcohol consuming state and though a laborer earns 700 to 1200 rupees a day, he spends a good amount in those 'government outlets'.
But some questions arise in my mind as well. Beverage corporation is the only profitable government sector of Kerala. So, complete ban of alcohol can affect State's economy. But it's also a pleasant thing to note that all men will remain healthy and work for a better tomorrow. But illegal alcohol consumption may once again start in the state. Also, the neighbouring states have already started numerous outlets at the state borders. So, government's decision will be helpful to how many people???
What I feel is...Government should sell liquor in normal rates through their outlets (not giving subsidies) and impose an extra 'luxury' tax as well. If so, alcohol consumption will be reduced many fold and people may consume only less amount. Government can also impose high tax on beverages and earn a big amount of revenue from those who spent their valuable money for such useless things.... I am not against those men who consume alcohol once in a while during get togethers or festival occasions.
Share your opinions plz.
In the past one year or so, hot war is going on between state government and 3 star hotels regarding the renewal of license of selling liquor, minimum requirements of bar hotel etc etc. But now Government has decided not to renew the license of existing 418 bar hotels and liquor will be available in 5 star hotels only. In the coming 10 years, government will reduce its supplying outlets 10% every year to declare Kerala 'Liquor Prohibited State' after 10 years.
Decision was right and almost all organizations have welcomed it. For me too, it's a welcome decision. Kerala is the highest alcohol consuming state and though a laborer earns 700 to 1200 rupees a day, he spends a good amount in those 'government outlets'.
But some questions arise in my mind as well. Beverage corporation is the only profitable government sector of Kerala. So, complete ban of alcohol can affect State's economy. But it's also a pleasant thing to note that all men will remain healthy and work for a better tomorrow. But illegal alcohol consumption may once again start in the state. Also, the neighbouring states have already started numerous outlets at the state borders. So, government's decision will be helpful to how many people???
What I feel is...Government should sell liquor in normal rates through their outlets (not giving subsidies) and impose an extra 'luxury' tax as well. If so, alcohol consumption will be reduced many fold and people may consume only less amount. Government can also impose high tax on beverages and earn a big amount of revenue from those who spent their valuable money for such useless things.... I am not against those men who consume alcohol once in a while during get togethers or festival occasions.
Share your opinions plz.
Category: General Reference
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