Thiruvananthapuram: Tipplers in Kerala can now break into a dance as bars and wine parlours, and toddy shops are set to reopen in the stateafter a gap of more than eight months.
The Kerala government has decided to reopen bars, beer and wine parlours, airport lounge bars and toddy shops, among others, with emphasis on COVID-19 safety protocols with immediate effect, state chief secretary Dr Vishwas Mehta said in an order.
Toddy shops have been allowed to reopen as per the provisions in the Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules.
State beverages corporation and Consumerfed outlets will also open between 10am and 9pm.
Kerala shut liquor shops since 24 March after the Union home ministry issued guidelines for the lockdown in the wake of the raging pandemic.
After Unlock 3 came into force, Kerala allowed the sale of liquor as takeaway from special outlets where a virtual queue system was followed.
The excise commissioner had suggested reopening bars as various states had allowed hotels with bars to open as per guidelines from the Centre.
Kerala has 301 government-run liquor outlets, 598 hotels with attached bars and 357 beer and wine parlours.