Exempt toddy, beer, wine: Kerala to SC

The Kerala government on Monday sought an exemption for toddy, beer and wine from the definition of liquor.

The state government also appealed to the Supreme Court to take the sale of toddy, beer and wine out of the purview of its order to close down liquor shops near national and state highways by March 31.

Seeking more clarity on the order, the state also sought an extension for the relocation of liquor shops near highways till April 1, 2018. The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) is also set to move the apex court, seeking more time to implement the closure, in the wake of protests against the relocation of liquor shops to residential areas.

Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan, however, said there was no plea to the alter categories of liquor. “There are portions in the order that have to be clarified. The government only wants to understand from the court whether the order is applicable to sale of toddy, beer and wine as well,” he said.