An Economy of Watering Holes

The Kerala High Court decision upholding the decision of the Kerala Government for closure of the bars in two and three star’s hotels in the state by today evening was on the expected lines. The lobby working for the closure of the bars was powerful and had built sentimental inroads into every person who abhors drinking, cutting across party lines. Its vociferous supporters were women and some activists. Now the Kerala Bar Owners’ Association has to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the verdict.

The Kerala population is divided sharply on the issue.  Those supporting the ban ferret out many reasons to lend credence to their argument. Foremost is the impact it will have on the house budget since, according to them, a sizeable chunk of the earning of the male members of the household is spent on the booze. Health hazards, law and order, domestic violence etc. are the other reasons that point out for supporting the ban.

On the other side of the spectrum, those who are against the ban point out that this measure is easier said than implemented. Even now, the general public can buy and store liquor. Moreover, many of them would start drinking in private places and the likelihood of brawls and fights will be more in such places, which are beyond the surveillance of the police authorities.  Also, illicit liquor brewing can become rampant, which are done on most unhygienic conditions.

An objective analysis of the restrictions on liquor trade ranging from –total ban in state like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu (withdrawn later on account of the widespread use of illicit liquor) and selective ban in states like North East did not augur well. Not only the state governments lost huge revenue, which they would have collected as taxes, there was heavy movement of people to states where liquor was available. Interestingly, people flock from one state to the other where liquor prices are low. For instance, in the 1980’s there were many people going from Delhi to Gurgaon or NOIDA the nearby satellite cities but in another state-Haryana-to quench their liquor thirst.

What is important is to educate the people about the pernicious effect of heavy drinking. Apart from boring holes in their pockets and putting family budget under strain, it will have harmful effect on their health. How about promoting social drinking? Put it in the context it would mean: drink moderately if you cannot avoid it totally. Is the message loud and clear?