Kochi — The Ernakulam Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church which had strongly stood for the closure of bars in the state has sought permission from the Excise Department for increasing production of wine from 1,250 litres to 5,000 litres on a yearly basis.
A request in this regard was filed by Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church and the Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, before P Jayarajan, Deputy commissioner of Excise, Ernakulam, a few weeks ago.
According to Excise Department sources, it was stated in the petition that licence for production of 1,250 litres of wine was given more than 25 years ago. Over the years, the number of churches and believers has increased. Hence, they should be permitted to produce at least 5,000 litres of wine per year, The Indian Express reported.
“After receiving the request, the Deputy Commissioner had sought clarification from the authorities of the Archdiocese whether they have enough facility to produce 5,000 litres of wine a year. The authorities had said 5,000 litres would not be produced at a time, it would be produced in different batches over the year. An inquiry team under Assistant Commissioner of Excise had visited the place where wine is produced to evaluate the facilities there,” the Excise official said.
Excise Deputy Commissioner P Jayarajan said a report had been sent to the Excise Commissioner. “The report was given to the Excise Commissioner a few days back. The commissioner will decide whether to give permit,” he said.
Meanwhile, a top government representative had asked the Excise officials to issue the licence without much delay. “The government representative gave direction that procedures for issuing the new licence permitting the archdiocese to produce 5,000 litres of wine should be completed without delay,” an Excise Department source said.