Kochi I: The faithful should not accept donation from liquor dealers, said the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC).
The KCBC Temperance Commission made the suggestion in a circular issued here on Sunday, in connection with the observance of ‘anti- liquor Sunday’ on March 8.
It is urged that the State Government should prove its sincerity in the issue. The government’s decision on the liquor policy was taken in a hurry, reported sahilonline.
So far, the government has not been able to convince the people how it was going to make Kerala a liquor- free state in the next 10 years.
“Even the Supreme Court has expressed doubt over the government’s stand,” stated the circular, which was issued by KCBC Temperance Commission chairman Bishop Mar Remigius Inchananiyil, vice-chairman Bishop Joshua Mar Ignatius and Bishop Joseph Karikassery.
What the Church demands in the liquor policy is nothing but an action plan to make Kerala a liquor-free state in the next 10 years. For the Church, it is a social issue, not a political issue. Those who advocate abstention from alcohol should think how it could be implemented with liquor shops functioning everywhere. The government should ban alcohol, while the people should follow the policy of abstention. It may also be noted that no government decision is required for abstention from liquor,” the bishops said.
Referring to the argument that banning liquor would impact the State’s tourism industry, the KCBC stated that foreign tourists come to Kerala not to drink, but to see the picturesque beauty of the State.