Sir — This refers to the editorial, “liquor politics in Kerala” (August 25). The proposed ban is an offshoot of intense rivalry within the United Democratic Front Government in Kerala. Chief Minister Oomen Chandy, hoping to outsmart his political rival, Kerala Congress chief VM Sudheeran, has rushed towards the unthinkable — a liquor ban in God’s Own Country. Kerala is one of the the biggest consumers of Indian-made liquor.
Also, shutting Indian-made- liquor shops and bars, while allowing alcohol to be served in five-star hotels, smacks of double standards. The decision may please women married to drunkards, and the church, but it will have other repercussions.
The ban will promote the illegal purchase of liquor. The excise revenue of Kerala will be hit badly, as will the tourism sector. A decreased inflow of tourists means job losses for thousands of people. It will also have an impact on the State’s exchequer.