Kerala bishops call for liquour policy changes

The Indian state bishops' temperance council calls for restrictions, according to a PTI report.

India
August 4, 2011

Catholic Church News Image of Kerala bishops call for liquour policy changes

The south Indian Kerala Catholic Bishops Council has requested the state’s government to incorporate vital changes to an existing liquor policy, which “is dangerous to society”, reports PTI.

It said the move to allot licenses to star hotels in the name of tourism would only lead to unregulated availability of liquor and untimately render any restriction ineffective.

The opening hours of liquor outlets should be restricted from 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM, chairman of the council’s temperance Commission Bishop Sebastian Thekethecheril told reporters. The Bishop said the government should adhere to the promise in its election manifesto to empower local bodies to decide on allowing liquor shops in their jurisdiction.

Among action already taken by the state government includes raising the age for buying and drinking liquor from 18 years to 21.

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Bishops Council calls for changes in liquor policy (IBN Live/PTI)

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Rev George Abraham

Blaming the government is not the solution for increase in liquor consumption. The society, mainly the church has a responsibility. The church must debar drunkards from the primary membership of it fearlessly after educating them and giving a chance to mend their habits first. It is a pity to keep the drunkards in priesthood and lament about drinking of the laity.