📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Asifalinair
Politics
Kerala Bars to Halt Licence Renewals Until New Liquor Policy Unveiled
✍️ Mathrubhumi English
🗓 08 Nov 2026, 06:32 PM
👁 10
The Kerala Excise Department has announced that no bar licences will be renewed until a new liquor policy is introduced, effectively pausing all renewal processes across the state.
The Kerala Excise Department issued a fresh order today, stating that no bar licences will be renewed until a new liquor policy is drafted and approved. The directive applies to all existing licences across the state, putting a hold on the renewal process for the next 12 months.
Under the order, bar owners who are currently operating under licences that are set to expire will not be able to submit renewal applications. The department has urged them to seek clarification on the new policy framework and to comply with any future guidelines once the policy is released.
The move is part of a broader effort by the state government to overhaul liquor regulations and curb alcohol-related issues. Officials say the new policy will be designed to address public health concerns and improve regulatory oversight.
The department will continue to process new licence applications, but existing licences will remain valid until the expiry date, after which no renewal will be possible until the policy is enacted.
Under the order, bar owners who are currently operating under licences that are set to expire will not be able to submit renewal applications. The department has urged them to seek clarification on the new policy framework and to comply with any future guidelines once the policy is released.
The move is part of a broader effort by the state government to overhaul liquor regulations and curb alcohol-related issues. Officials say the new policy will be designed to address public health concerns and improve regulatory oversight.
The department will continue to process new licence applications, but existing licences will remain valid until the expiry date, after which no renewal will be possible until the policy is enacted.