Bar licence to non-star hotels: Oppn leader alleges graft

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader V D Satheesan alleged graft behind the state govt's move to grant bar licences to non-star hotels. Satheesan said the CPM was setting the ground for fundraising ahead of the local body elections by relaxing norms.
"The move was not in sync with the state excise policy. Yet, excise minister M B Rajesh was justifying the move. It proved that the decision to grant bar licences indiscriminately was taken with the support of the CPM. The logic that the Centre was responsible for not carrying out the classification assessment on time, and hence the state govt would renew the licences of such hotels, was unacceptable. It could be seen as an open declaration that the govt was committed to the free flow of liquor in the state," Satheesan said.
The excise commissioner recommended not renewing bar licences for 23 hotels where inspections were deliberately delayed. However, the govt has taken a contrary stance. "Govt should withdraw from illegal actions aimed solely at drowning Kerala in alcohol for the sake of corruption. The excise department has become a hub of corruption. CM should announce a probe into the corruption in the excise department," he said.