KTDC to convert beer parlours into new-look pubs

By Biju Govind

KOZHIKODE, OCT. 14. In what could be termed as a bold initiative, the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) is planning to start exclusive beer pubs throughout the State.

The new beer pubs would not be entirely based on the models of the tavern-like pubs in metros like Bangalore. Their style of functioning would be different, incorporating several aspects needed for a modern restaurant and a not-so-bad spot for unwinding oneself.

Reliable sources told The Hindu that the pubs would be fashioned out of the existing beer parlours located in various towns and mofussil areas spread across the State, besides launching new ones. The pubs would also provide wholesome entertainment.

These exclusive pubs would have improved infrastructure and be lavished with modern services. The beer parlours and makeshift facilities at the motels would give way to better, modernised hospitality. All the `sheds' that are now functioning as beer parlours would be pulled down and fresh buildings erected in their place.

Sophisticated lighting, music and dance would be the added attractions. There would, however, be no bar-maids. The pubs would not exactly be discotheques either.

Sources said that plans were afoot to invite private participation in the venture. It is hoped that it would not be difficult to attract entrepreneurs, given the boom in private companies offering several value-added products in the tourism sector.

Pubs would be concentrated basically in the five cities including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur and Kozhikode. Some of the beer parlours in other towns like Kannur and Palakkad would also be converted into pubs, sources added.

At present beer parlours are located at the Statue Junction (Thiruvananthapuram), Ponmudi, Karamana, Kazhakuttom, Varkala, Karunagapally, Haripad, Valanchery, Kanjikode, Mapranam, Ramanattukara, Changaramkulam, Palakkad, Kozhinjampara, Olavakode and Payyannur.

The motels, run with the financial assistance of the Indian Tourism Development Corporation, are set up at Kannur, Palakkad, Kottarakara, Alappuzha, Kayamkulam, Kasaragod, Sultan Bathery, Kuttipuram, Vaikom, Kuttikanam, Palaruvi, Vadakara, Valara in Munnar and Athirapally.

Beer is served in some of these motels situated along the National and State highways. Most of them have lodging facilities.

The move to start pubs comes in the wake of the crying need for generating more revenue in the sagging Tourism Department following the depreciation in the economy and the crash in the inflow of international and domestic tourists.

Besides, there has been a lot of criticism in the functioning of the beer parlours of late. A few of them are running at a loss despite these outlets attracting decent crowds.

The demand from a cross-section of the delegates attending business conferences in some cities like Kochi has given the confidence to the authorities to implement the idea.

The KTDC chairperson, Ms. Padmaja Venugopal, told The Hindu that the beer pubs would be modified in such a way that it could function as a restaurant as well. There would be an exclusive restaurant attached to each pub.

"Separate entrances would be provided for families and women," she said. "This will give a healthy ambience to the pubs...and above all keep them away from criticisms."

Ms. Venugopal also said that the KTDC would come up with a whole set of new ideas in tune with the changing trends in society. These would also suit the new crop of youngsters. ``After all, why should there be a fuss in these reforms? People love to enjoy the good things in life and we are attempting to facilitate them,'' she said.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Stand-off over melsanthi indicates deeper malaise
           in Sabarimala
Next     : Racketeers put cashew industry in crisis