BJP State general secretary A.N. Radhakrishnan has criticised the State government for bringing down to 50 metres from the existing 200 metres the distance between bars at four-star hotels and schools and places of worship.
He said the BJP was prepared to join hands with the anti-liquor group of the Congress and like-minded organisations to launch a campaign against amendments made to the Excise rules that made it possible.
“When the Supreme Court had intervened to render highway sides free of liquor outlets and bars to reduce consumption of liquor and thereby accidents caused by it, the State government resorted to de-notifying the highways to get around the directive. It only shows they [government] are with liquor barons. The distance clause, earned after sustained and hard-fought struggles, should be brought back,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.