Kochi: The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) is
planning to open exclusive beer pubs across the state. The new beer
pubs would not be entirely based on the models of the tavern-like pubs
in metros - their style of functioning would be different,
incorporating several aspects needed for a modern restaurant.
Sources said these exclusive pubs would have advanced infrastructure
and modern services. The beer parlours and makeshift facilities at the
motels would henceforth provide better, modernised hospitality.
Sophisticated lighting, music and dance would be the added
attractions. Plans are afoot to invite private participation in the
venture, the sources said.
Pubs would be concentrated basically in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam,
Kochi, Thrissur and Kozhikode, Keralas main cities. Some of the
beer parlours in other towns like Kannur and Palakkad would also be
converted into pubs, the sources said.
At present beer parlours are located at 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 these motels have lodging facilities.
The move to start pubs comes in the wake of the crying need for
generating more revenue for the financially crumbling KTDC, especially
after the global slowdown and the crash in the inflow of international
and domestic tourists.
Besides, there have been several criticisms 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.
KTDC chairperson Padmaja Venugopal said 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 and separate entrances would be provided for families and women.
KTDC would come up with a whole set of new ideas in tune with the
changing trends in society.
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