There has been no decision regarding the bars in Kerala. In a meeting that included top-level officials chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday, it was determined that bars are not to be reopened in the state for now. Hundreds of bars, including beer and wine parlors across the state, have been closed since the COVID-19-induced lockdown began. While the Excise Department was interested in opening bars, the CM said that with the growing COVID-19 cases, it would not be reasonable to open up the businesses yet. There are about 596 bars and 350 beer and wine parlors in the public and private sectors in the state.

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Bars and beverages centers in the state were closed from March 23 owing to the lockdown. However, in May, the government resumed liquor sales through the state-run beverage outlets and had also permitted the over-the-counter sale of liquor from bars. A special mobile application ‘BevQ’ was introduced to regulate crowds, enabling people to maintain virtual queues. According to reports, after dine-in services in restaurants were allowed, bar owners in the state requested the government to take measures to reopen their establishments.

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However, this was reportedly not well-received by many officials in the meeting with the CM, including the Health Department and Police officials.  Meanwhile, over-the-counter sales of liquor in bars will continue. According to a Kerala Kaumudi report, Excise Minister TP Ramakrishnan had submitted a file to the Chief Minister stating that reopening bars while following strict regulations can be considered. But the current COVID-19 situation in the state has avoided the recommendation. Kerala is the only south Indian state where bars are still shut. States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Delhi have re-opened bars.

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