labels: economy - general
KTDC to convert beer bars into pubsnews
James Paul
15 October 2001

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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KTDC to convert beer bars into pubs