LOL!!! I saw this on TV. with the Spokesperson standing in front of a country liquor shop. Talking something like this "The plight of an average malayali....."." Booze contributes 2nd highest income after tourism in kerala"....
On 3/22/07, Biju Chacko <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
http://www.ndtv.com/morenews/showmorestory.asp?category=National&id=102373 Booze lovers unite in Kerala Nandagopal Tuesday, March 20, 2007 (Thiruvananthpuram): Alcohol consumers from across Kerala have come together to form the All Kerala Liquor Consumers' Welfare Association. The association has acquired over 68,000 members from across the state within just two months of its formation and the numbers are growing. With a per capita alcohol consumption of 8.3 litres, Kerala has the dubious distinction of being India's liquor capital. The association has a list of 15 demands for the state government. Its a tall order on most counts asking for liquor through ration shops, bar homes where people can have a drink without police harassment, pension for the liquor consumer's family, no dry days and a crackdown on adulteration of liquor. "Earlier we used to get country liquor for Rs 10. We would get intoxicated and be happy. Now even if we pay Rs 200, we don't get a kick. What sort of liquor is that? It is not good at all," said Adinad Sashi, President, All Kerala Liquor Consumers' Welfare Associaion. Source of revenue The response to the association has been overwhelming with over 68,000 members in just two months. It now plans to go international for the benefit of expat Malayalis. "People are calling us from Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait to set up units of our association there. They are willing to meet all our expenses," said Vauvakavu Basheer, Convenor, All Kerala Liquor Consumers' Welfare Association. After tourism, alcohol is the second biggest source of revenue for the state government and for a state with debts to the tune of Rs 50,0000 crore, it is difficult to do away with the drinking habit.
-- Ramakrishna Reddy GPG Key ID:31FF0090 Fingerprint = 18D7 3FC1 784B B57F C08F 32B9 4496 B2A1 31FF 0090
