Kerala Excise Minister K Babu has expressed happiness and relief over the Supreme Court endorsing the State government's liquor policy.
The apex court has taken a well thought out decision on a matter that had been challenged vigorously at various courts before, the minister said.
The government's sole intention was to do its bit to liberate the public, especially the impressionable young, from the vice like grip of liquor vends in the state.
The Supreme Court endorsement of the state's liquor policy would help bring a semblance of order into the lives of binge-crazy people, reduce consumption levels, and even improve law and order.
The government would take into confidence all sections of people and team up with them to create awareness about the health hazards of the liquor menace.
According to V.M. Sudheeran, president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, the Supreme Court had taken a historic decision while upholding the state's liquor policy.
All sections of the public that cared for the future of the state would welcome the decision, which was laudable, coming from a state government as it is a trendsetter for its peers.
The government decision was part of its overall strategy to cut down access to and reduce the consumption of liquor in the state, Sudheeran said.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala too welcomed the Supreme Court decision saying it was aimed at the overall social welfare of the state.