Thiruvanathapuram: Kerala may be one of the biggest consumers of liquor in the country but the tipplers in the state remain a disgruntled lot.
The biggest among their woes is the new liquor policy adopted by the UDF government that allows only five-star bars in the country and the progressive reduction in number of liquor vends in the state. Also, the steep hike in taxes on liquor has hit them hard.
Lovers of the drink allege that it has become very difficult to afford a drink these days and even if they do manage to buy a bottle, there is no decent place to sit and get a high.
The other 'emotional' issue for them is that the existing liquor stores are mostly located in dinghy places where they have to queue up 'like criminals' for hours to buy a bottle.
As per a report in the Hindustan Times, tipplers in God's Own Country have decided to united under the banner of Kerala Liquor Consumers’ Protection Forum to defend their rights and seek respect from the state that earns Rs10,000 crore annually from the sale of liquor.
The forum has already held district-level meets with an aim to enroll one lakh members. Later a state-wide convention will be held to chalk out strategy.
The HT report suggest that they may even contest assembly elections if the state continues to treat them 'shabbily'.
