Kerala govt set to re-open liquor shops this weekend

Kerala is set to re-open liquor outlets by this weekend as state government is awaiting a security certificate for newly developed mobile application for online sale of liquor.

A mobile application is being developed by an Ernakulam-based private firm by which tipplers can book an e-token and go to prescribed outlet or bars to purchase liquor.

idea is to reduce crowding at outlets. With an e-token, person will be directed to a particular outlet or bar which is near to him as per GPS location, Kerala State Bevers Corporation Sparjan Kumar told PTI.

This is to avoid people travelling far to buy liquor, he said.

software would have to be tested before opening it for public use.

" application will have to be tested before being uploed in play store. We cant put pressure on developers to speed up process. security check will take its own time and application will be released reafter," Kumar said.

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re are 301 state-run liquor outlets in Kerala, apart from 598 bar hotels and 357 beer and wine parlours.

hering to Centre's guidelines, state government has decided t to open bars but has agreed to sell liquor as takeaway from special retail counters.

"As per government decision, re will be a retail counter at bars to sell liquor as parcel at BEVCO prices. state government has asked for a permission letter from all bar owners," a senior official of excise department said.

He said safety measures would be taken at outlets and counters.

Kumar said process of disinfecting state-run outlets are being held across state and instruction have been issued to staff on how to deal with customer once shops are open.

state government h on May 18 said liquor outlets would open as and when online system is rey and bars can sell liquor and food as a takeaway.

state government has also said licensed clubs can sell liquor and food to ir members as parcelwith strict restrictions on number of persons.

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