Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government on Wednesday increased the bar licence fee from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 35 lakh as part of the new liquor policy.
Excise Minister M B Rajesh announced the new liquor policy for this financial year after the Cabinet approved the same.
Meanwhile, liquor sales increased by 2.4 per cent in the state last year, generating an additional income of Rs 340 crore.
Toddy
The minister added that the toddy produced in Kerala will be rebranded and sold as 'Kerala Toddy'.
With an objective of attracting more foreigners, the state will also start the practice of awarding star-rating to toddy shops.
Temporary permit for tourist season
The government will also grant temporary permits to restaurants to serve alcohol and wine during peak tourism seasons.
Dry day to stay
The dry day, when liquor sales are banned in the state, on the first of every month will continue for the time being, the minister said. Though there was a demand to end the practice, trade unions protested the call to cancel it.
Since liquor sales increase the day before the dry day, the government does not incur much loss due to the day-long closure.
The new liquor policy which was to be announced in April was delayed due to various reasons.
Though a decision to distribute alcohol in IT parks was taken last year, it is yet to be implemented. The government is considering the IT sector's demand to reduce the fee. An Assembly Subject Committee is looking at the matter, sources said.
