Kerala comes closer to becoming a dry state

Amid reports of differences within its ranks, the Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday ratified the new liquor policy, paving the way for closing down all 712 bar hotels in the state.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters that the finer details of the policy would be discussed during the next Cabinet meeting.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front will send revocation notices to bar proprietors on Thursday and will discuss issuance of licences to beer and wine parlours in subsequent meetings.

Meanwhile, reports said some of the ministers expressed displeasure on the urgency shown while formulating the new liquor policy, which has already triggered clashes between rival camps in the Congress.

Chandy met Congress veteran A K Antony here on Wednesday and discussed the issues pertaining to the new liquor policy. Speaking with reporters, Antony said the party was not facing any serious internal strife over the new policy. “This is only a storm in a teacup,” he said.