Bar Timing Unified Across Kerala, Not Extended: Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh

Kannur: Kerala Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh has said that the rescheduling of bar operating hours in the state is not a new decision, but only a move to unify across Kerala the timing that was already in place at tourist destinations.

Speaking to the media in Kannur, the minister clarified that bars in notified tourism destinations had already been permitted to function from 10 am to 12 midnight. The government has now made the same timing applicable statewide, he said.

Rajesh pointed out that the licence fee for all bars in Kerala is 35 lakh, irrespective of whether they are located in tourism destinations or elsewhere. In several places, bars located just outside notified tourism zones operated under different timings, leading to complaints of discrimination. He said the demand for uniform timing had been raised earlier and the government acted after considering these concerns.

The minister also reiterated that the government’s declared policy is not total prohibition, but discouraging the use of alcohol. Complete prohibition has not succeeded anywhere in the world, he said, adding that the state’s approach is based on regulation and responsible control rather than a blanket ban.

He added that the decision was taken after examining the situation in other southern states. In Tamil Nadu, bars operate for 12 hours, and in five-star hotels service is available round the clock. In Karnataka, bars function from 9 am to 12 midnight, while in Bengaluru city they operate until 1 am. He noted that licence fees in those states are comparatively lower, whereas Kerala has a uniform licence fee of 35 lakh.

The minister said the decision was not taken abruptly but followed detailed discussions between senior officials of the Excise and Tourism departments. Transparency was ensured at every stage, he said.

Rejecting the opposition’s allegation that the government was diluting its liquor policy, Rajesh termed the criticism politically motivated. He said opposition leaders were aware of discussions regarding bar timing changes during earlier meetings and had not objected at that time.

Rajesh added that such measures are necessary to attract more investment and foreign tourists to Kerala’s tourism sector. He accused the opposition of trying to mislead the public for political reasons and said people would recognise their double standards.