Thiruvananthapuram
The Kerala government is planning changes to its liquor rules because it’s facing a serious money problem. Normally, Kerala decides its liquor rules every year, but this year, because of the national elections, they couldn’t announce the rules for 2024-25 yet.
Top government officials recently met to figure out how to make more money for the state. They know that taxes from selling liquor are a big part of the state’s income. So, they’ve brainstormed new ideas to make even more money from liquor sales. Last year, they made a huge amount of money from liquor taxes. They’re thinking about ending dry days when liquor isn’t sold. Dry days started in 2003 to reduce drinking, but now they think lifting it could bring in a lot more money, especially from tourists and business events.
They’re also thinking about making more affordable liquor and even making wine from fruit. Most of the liquor sold in Kerala comes from other states, so they’re considering making more in Kerala. Last year, people in Kerala spent a lot of money on liquor, and a lot of people drink regularly, including many women. Now, the government will review these ideas and decide if they should become the new liquor rules.
