In an iota of relief for Kerala bar owners, 250 bars will re-open in the state temporarily after the Kerala High Court on Friday stayed the single-judge bench's order on the liquor policy, as per reports.
On Thursday, a single-judge bench had said that all two and three-star hotel bars have to be closed, but allowed 62 heritage, four- and five-star hotel bars to operate from Thursday.
The decision came after an appeal by 3-star bar owners. The bars can re-open and function for a month, reported IANS.
Justice K. Surendra Mohan on Thursday gave the verdict on plea of the Kerala Bar Hotel Owners Association, which had sought permission to operate their bars.
The liquor policy of the Kerala government is aimed at achieving complete liquor prohibition in the state in a phased manner, allowing alcohol to be served only in 21 five-star hotel bars.
