Babu warns distilleries against blackmailing

KOCHI: Excise Minister K Babu on Thursday said the ‘blackmailing by distilleries’ would not be allowed and steps would be taken to ensure the availability of liquor at all the outlets during the Onam. ‘’The distilleries had engaged in a contract for one year. At the time of Onam, the sudden somersault of the distilleries that they would discontinue the supply is against the contract,’’ he told reporters here. Noting that there would not be any shortage  of liquor supply during the Onam season, Babu said there was enough stock for the season with the Kerala State Beverages Corporation. He also stressed that the government would not give in to the demands of the distilleries. ‘’If they come with any reasonable demands, then the government would look into it,’’ he said.  The representatives of distilleries had met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy this week and said they would be forced to discontinue supply to the Beverages Corporation if the Government did not initiate steps to solve the crisis faced by the industry.