Liquor policy: Minister takes a dig at VM Sudheeran

Saturday, January 21, 2012: Excise Minister K Babu today lashed out at senior Congress leader VM Sudheeran for his remarks against state government’s new liquor policy.
Sudheeran had alleged that the UDF was deviating from its liquor policy, and that it will impact the front’s prospects in the Piravom by-poll. Sudheeran had earlier stated that a CBI probe must be conducted into the government move to grant 3 star status for 21 hotels.
There are several deficiencies in the new liquor policy which will be pointed out the government, he added. According to the new liquor policy, the age limit for buying liquor has been raised from 18 to 21.
By 2014, bar licences will be restricted only to five-star hotels. In panchayats bar outlets will be allowed to function from 8 am to 11 pm and in corporations, from 9 am to 12 midnight.