Kochi: As per a regulation in Kerela’s new liquor policy, special permission has to be obtained every time liquor is served at banquet halls of hotels which posses a bar licence. According to the Kerala Travel Mart Society, this regulation is feared to negatively affect the prospects of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Excihitions) tourism.
The society has requested the chief minister to withdraw this regulation as it would further do damage to the already-affected industry because of the old liquor policy. It is deemed that the new liquor policy would uplift tourism but it is definitely not helpful for MICE tourism which is an important contributor to the tourism industry in Kerala. Barring a few huge meetings, majority of small meetings and conferences with fifty to hundred attendees are conducted in the banquet halls of hotels.
Taking permission from the authorities whenever there is a meeting or a conference at a hotel with bar license might not be favourable for the tourism industry. The society said to encourage MICE tourism in Kerala, more than one restaurant or banquet hall in a single bar licensed hotel should be given permission to serve liquor.
