Kerala Excise Minister M. Liju on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, expressed strong displeasure after officials granted bar licences without informing the government, and took a sharp public dig at his predecessor M.B. Rajesh, blaming the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) administration for embedding loopholes in the state's liquor licensing framework.

What Triggered the Row

The controversy centres on two FL-7 licences granted on 22 June for the domestic lounge at Cochin International Airport. The licences were issued despite the government having already communicated that such permissions should be held in abeyance until the new liquor policy was finalised. According to Minister Liju, the file had been returned with explicit instructions to wait — yet the Excise Commissioner proceeded with the clearances under the existing rules.

Minister Seeks Explanation from Excise Commissioner

Liju said the Commissioner should have kept the government informed before taking such a consequential decision. He acknowledged that the official may not have been fully acquainted with the government's position during his initial days in office, but maintained that the principle of informing the government on matters of this significance was non-negotiable. A formal explanation has been sought from the Commissioner.

Blame Game Over Licensing Rules

The minister argued that the existing rules — which allow lower-level officials to grant certain licences without government approval — were introduced by the previous LDF government and needed urgent review. He announced that a formal order would be issued making it mandatory to await the new liquor policy before any such licences are cleared. Legal advice is also being sought on the validity of the licences already issued.

Targeting Rajesh directly, Liju said he was unhappy with the former minister's approach to liquor licensing. "Rajesh was satisfied when liquor flowed across the state. I am not," he said, adding that he was equally dissatisfied with the rules framed by Rajesh and his predecessors.

Wider Context: Suspensions and Tribunal Proceedings

This dispute follows an earlier controversy in which two Deputy Excise Commissioners were suspended over the conversion of three beer and wine parlours in Muvattupuzha, Kochi, and Pala into full-fledged bars. The government identified lapses during its review of the matter. The suspended officials subsequently approached the tribunal, where details of the airport lounge licences also came to light, widening the scope of the row.

What Happens Next

Minister Liju stated that strict action had been taken when corruption allegations surfaced, but cautioned that the broader question of expanding bar licences across the state required serious, systemic examination. The government is expected to issue formal orders tightening the licensing approval chain while simultaneously reviewing the legal standing of the Cochin Airport licences already granted.