The Kerala government is likely to review bar operating hours under its upcoming liquor policy, with the existing midnight closing time facing reconsideration. The decision to extend bar operating hours until midnight, introduced by the Pinarayi Vijayan government ahead of the Assembly elections, has come under renewed scrutiny as discussions begin on the state’s new liquor policy. Prohibition committee activists have urged the government to reconsider the extended timings, while trade unions, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), have demanded that bars be permitted to operate only from 10 am to 10 pm.
The proposed review could also affect the approval of new bar licences in Kerala. The United Democratic Front (UDF), which had criticised the increase in the number of bars while in opposition, is unlikely to encourage applications for additional bar licences. Meanwhile, 26 five-star hotels have reportedly applied for new bar licences. However, the Excise Department has not taken a decision on these applications, as the state’s new liquor policy is yet to be finalised.
As part of the policy formulation process, Excise Minister M. Liju had planned to hold discussions with former excise ministers on Monday to seek their views on the proposed changes. However, the meeting could not take place due to the unavailability of the invitees. M.V. Govindan, T.P. Ramakrishnan and M.B. Rajesh were unable to travel to the state capital because of party commitments, while former minister K. Babu could not attend due to health issues.
The review of bar operating hours is expected to form part of the broader discussions on Kerala’s liquor policy, which will determine the regulatory framework for bars and liquor outlets across the state. The government’s decisions on operating timings and pending licence applications will depend on the outcome of the policy deliberations. Until the new policy is finalised, the existing arrangements remain subject to the applicable rules and any subsequent government orders.
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