The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has strongly criticized the state government’s new liquor policy, calling it a move to make alcohol more accessible while ignoring its harmful impact.
During an emergency meeting of its Temperance Commission on Thursday, KCBC leaders said the new policy was like “pouring oil on fire” and accused the government of using the fight against drug abuse as a cover for loosening alcohol restrictions.
The Council expressed concern that while narcotic drugs are being painted as the only threat, the serious problems caused by alcohol are being downplayed—possibly because of the government’s desire to boost tax income from liquor sales.
‘Bar Policy is Just the Beginning’
The KCBC believes that allowing more leniency for bars in three-star and above hotels is just a “test run” before removing dry days altogether. They warned that this could worsen the state’s existing struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues, especially among the youth.
The statement also blamed enforcement agencies like the Excise, Police, Forest, Revenue, and Intelligence departments for failing to stop the growing drug mafia.
The Bishops’ Council also questioned why their long-running Anti-Drug Committee—active for over 25 years in awareness, rehab, and support—has been left out of important policy discussions, while even political youth wings are being included.
The meeting was led by Bishop Youhanon Mar Theodosius, chairman of the KCBC Temperance Commission, along with state secretaries Fr. John Areekal and Prasad Kuruvilla.
