KCBC lashes out at liquor policy of LDF govt. in circular read across churches

The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) came down heavily on the Left Democratic Front (LDF), accusing it of coming to power promising to promote liquor abstinence but allowing a sharp increase in the number of bars in Kerala.

On Sunday (March 8, 2026), a circular prepared by the KCBC Temperance Committee was read out in churches across the 32 dioceses of the Catholic Church in the State as part of its anti-drug and anti-liquor awareness campaign.

The circular comes in the wake of a State government decision in February, 2026 to extend the operating hours of bars and beer and wine parlours by two hours. Back then, the KCBC had asked whether the liberal approach in the latest order is “part of an election deal.” It had also argued that the government should not try to expand the sale of alcohol under the guise of tourism.

As per the circular, the State had only 29 bars in 2016 when the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government came to power. However, now the State has over 1,000 bars, in addition to beverage outlets and toddy shops. The expansion of liquor outlets has happened at a time when the Church and other social organisations have been trying to raise awareness against alcoholism and drug abuse. The government, on the other hand, has failed to take any effective action in this regard, said the circular.

The circular further says that parallel to the proliferation of bars, there has been a drastic jump in the use of narcotics and synthetic drugs. Schools have turned into drug hotspots, with the drug mafia targeting the younger population. It flags the violence and family conflicts in recent years, in which drug use has been found to be the underlying factor.

“The consequences of alcohol and drug abuse have severely affected society. Family bonds are breaking silently. Mothers weep behind closed doors. Homes built with love turn into centres of conflict, violence and even murder. The Church should work with full commitment to protect children and youth from addiction and to ensure their future,” said the circular.

The KCBC also counters the government’s claim that the lack of availability of liquor was the reason behind the proliferation of synthetic drugs. It accused the government of issuing licences to more liquor outlets using the claim as a cover.