Following the lockdown protocol, the Kerala government had closed all the liquor shops since March 24. Recently, after the Central government had allowed relaxation for opening beverages outlets in the country, there have been rumors that the state of Kerala will open liquor shops in the state.

However, the Pinarayi Vijayan lead government will not open Bevco outlets in the state at the moment. At the high committee meeting that took place on Saturday morning, the decision was taken. At a time when the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the state has fallen drastically, the government has decided to not risk by opening the outlets as the customers will throng the outlets in large quantities.

Meanwhile, the state government has given instructions to clean and disinfect the state-run beverage outlets before re-opening and make arrangements so that those coming there should be able to maintain social distancing and other health precautions.