Get a RT-PCR test before getting tipsy if you are in Kerala

State-run liquor outlets in Kerala which saw large crowds during the pandemic had sparked off criticism against the Kerala Government. The court has come down heavily on the state government for not implementing stringent Covid protocols. This has led the government in the state to bring in restrictions. The new rules say that a negative RTPCR test taken 48 hours back is now mandatory for people buying alcohol from the Beverages outlet.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has put a spoke in the wheel of alcohol consumers by tweaking its COVID 19 protocols. Consumers who buy IMFL(Indian made foreign liquor) from the State's Bevco outlets will now have to have a valid COVID negative certificate to buy from these outlets. Meaning, there is no more pushing and lane jumping and the queue at the Government run beverages outlets in Kerala are going to be serpentine and longer than the usual.

The Kerala government was pulled up by the Kerala High Court on Wednesday, asking them why they are not strict on enforcing Covid protocols at Beverages outlets and gave a clear direction that alcohol consumers are also people and the government should ensure that they are not exposed to the virus.

In the counter submission, the Government has clarified that the restrictions and Covid protocols have been strictly implemented at all commercial establishments and Beverages outlets are no exception. However, the ground level realities had painted a different picture. Scenes of people crowding at outlet counters were normal on all days. But now the authorities will have to enforce the restrictions strictly and only those who have taken at least one dose of vaccine or have a negative RT PCR certificate will be allowed to buy liquor from the outlet

Now the restrictions say that the consumers should have an RTPCR Covid negative certificate taken maximum 48 hours ago. So a consumer cannot use the same certificate to purchase liquor for the third day and he may have to go for a repeat test.

The Government run beverage outlets in Kerala are having staff who are mostly post graduates. So they may not have trouble deciphering an RTPCR report or a Vaccination certificate. Buying liquor at Kerala Beverages outlet is thus going to be a costly affair.

With the restrictions in place, the infamous queues in front of the Beverages outlets in Kerala are definitely going to get longer and the rush at RT PCR centres and vaccination centres are going to go up for sure.

The liquor outlet density in Kerala is among the lowest among Southern states so naturally the crowd at each outlet is higher compared to other states.