Kerala’s CPM-led government has extended liquor availability across the state, revising bar operating hours to 10 AM–12 midnight from the earlier 11 AM–11 PM, following demands from bar owners. The new timings, effective from February 18, come after prolonged discussions between Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh and representatives of bar owners, with the minister recommending the revised schedule to the government.
Reacting to this development, BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the corruption and bribe of crores of rupees are behind the new schedule. Lakhs of files, concerning the lives of common and poor people, are pending. But a quick action has been taken to increase the bar time.
BJP leader alleged that the Chief Minister Pinaray Vijayan himself summoned Excise department to take immediate positive action.
Moreover, the Excise Minister has disclosed that the new schedule has been formulated with the knowledge of the opposition, acknowledging the nexus between the LDF and UDF. (CPM-led ruling Left Democratic Front – LDF and opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front – UDF)
In the meantime, Christian Orthodox Church secretary Adv. Biju Umman said that the government decision to increase the bar hours generates anxiety among the people. This government came to power by propagating that once comes to power the availability of the liquor would be minimised. That the government’s talks and deeds are in different directions is really disappointing. The society should not be exploited for the sake of filling the treasury. People’s health and anti-alcohol values should be protected. The interests of the sincere mothers should not be compromised for the sake of the bar owners.
#WATCH | Kottayam, Kerala | On Kerala Government, Malagkara Orthodox Church Bishop, Yuhanon Mar Diascoros says, "It is embarrassing to hear that the time for the use of bar is extending for 3 more hours while the current time is itself dangerous… Our society is destroyed by… pic.twitter.com/R4zzWpDavQ
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2026
M. B. Rajesh , the Excise Minister, flaunts a different version. He said that the government has not increased the working hours of the bars, but have only standardised the schedule. Tourism destinations were already following 10 am to 0000 hours schedule. He mentioned that the government solved the bar owners’ complaints about the discrimination in the schedules.
Government cites another excuse for encouraging the alcohol availability. That is tourist attraction. It gives an impression that the tourists come here for consuming alcohol.
Meanwhile, Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) has opened an outlet in the Vytttila Metro Station, Kochi. This latest development proves that government is all set to make monies from alcohol, come what may. Government betrays the people.
When LDF went to polls in 2016, they made several commercial videos with matinee idols as the brand ambassadors. All of them stated that the once LDF comes to power, liquor availability would be reduced.
