Malankara Orthodox Church Condemns Kerala's Extended Bar Hours Policy
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has issued a forceful condemnation of the Kerala state government's recent decision to extend the operating hours of bars across the state. In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the Church demanded an immediate withdrawal of the policy and called for a united agitation involving all political parties and religious communities to oppose the move, which permits bars to function from 10am until midnight.
Church Warns of Dire Social Consequences
Speaking on behalf of the Church, laity secretary Biju Oommen expressed grave concerns about the potential social fallout from the revised alcohol policy. Oommen emphasized that this decision could have devastating effects, particularly on the younger generation, and questioned the government's motives.
"Does the government want our youth to spend their nights in bars?" Oommen asked pointedly. "We need to understand the rationale behind increasing liquor availability and what exactly the government hopes to achieve with this policy revision."
He further stated that the people of Kerala are viewing this new approach with significant apprehension, noting that expanding access to alcohol contradicts the state's traditional cultural values.
Accusation of Policy Reversal and 'Pattaya Model' Tourism
Oommen accused the current administration of abandoning its earlier commitment to regulating alcohol consumption. He reminded the public that when the government came to power in 2016, it had pledged to reduce liquor availability and had even launched public awareness campaigns featuring prominent actors to discourage alcohol use.
The Church representative criticized what he described as the adoption of a 'Pattaya model' of tourism and development, warning that such an approach threatens to erode Kerala's distinct cultural identity. "While promoting destination weddings and international conferences is understandable, it should not come at the expense of social well-being," Oommen asserted.
Questioning Priorities: Bar Owners vs. Public Welfare
According to Oommen, the extended bar hours policy appears to prioritize the interests of approximately 1,000 bar owners in Kerala over the welfare of the general public. He posed a poignant question to the government: "Are the demands of bar owners more important than the tears of mothers across our state?"
The Church official also expressed deep concern about the broader social impact of substance abuse, linking increased alcohol availability to rising crime rates. "Liquor and drugs have been factors in numerous crimes reported in Kerala in recent years," he claimed, suggesting the policy could exacerbate this troubling trend.
Ethical Concerns and Political Timing
Oommen raised ethical questions about strengthening government revenue through increased alcohol sales, arguing that financial gains should not override social responsibility. He maintained that the Church's opposition is not politically motivated but stems from genuine concern about the long-term societal impact, especially on younger citizens.
However, he noted that the timing of this decision—coming ahead of elections—has naturally raised public suspicions about potential political considerations influencing the policy change.
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church's strong stance highlights growing tensions between cultural preservation and economic development policies in Kerala, setting the stage for potential widespread opposition to the extended bar hours.
