Beer-wine parlours, beverages outlets and toddy shops which were closed down after the Supreme Court order, in the Cherthala-Thiruvananthapuram highway can now reopen. The Kerala High court has approved the claim of many of the bar owners have appeal that the particular road does not have National Highway title.
Following the order, the liquor shops and toddy parlours on either side of the 173 kilometre road are expected to reopen soon.
The bar owners in their petition in court have claimed that in 2014, the particular area was excluded from National Highway title. Agreeing with the argument, the HC asked state Excise department to give license to the liquor outlets and toddy parlours which were closed down after the SC order.
This particular road was excluded from National Highways because it did not have the requirements to come under National Highways. Despite this, excise department had asked the liquor shops, beer-wine parlours and toddy shops to close down. The shop owners then approached the High Court.
However, this particular route may be redefined as a National Highway in future after the road is widened. But the court said that until it is declared a National Highway, the liquor shops can continue to function in the area.
As per reports, in Alapuzha district alone, two bars and eight toddy parlours have already asked for licenses with the excise department.