Kerala - Kochi
Toddy workers to launch agitation

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Workers in the toddy-tapping sector have decided to launch a State-wide agitation under the banner of a joint action council demanding steps to resolve the crisis in the sector.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, leaders of the council said that toddy-tapping workers would block the issuance of licence to toddy shops under the present licensing system.

The date of issuing licence has not yet been announced. They will organise blockades in front of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) godowns also as a token protest.

They pointed out that the Government had closed down 1,972 toddy shops as the first step towards total prohibition in the State. But the Government continues to allot more IMFL shops. As many as 106 IMFL outlets have been opened since then. Licence has been given to many bar-attached hotels as well, they said.

The council has submitted a memorandum to the State Government in this regard.

The demands include reopening of all closed toddy shops, running of toddy shops on taluk/range basis and withdrawal of the decision to employ arrack workers in toddy shops.

They demanded that exemption be given to toddy shops from the minimum-distance rule, the licence fee structure for toddy shops be reviewed and that legislation be enacted to protect their welfare fund.
(The Hindu, 07/03/06, Tuesday)