Apu Joseph’s comment on ‘responsible drinking’ draws ire from KCBC anti-liquor forum

As controversies over the state’s liquor policy continue to stir controversy, Kerala Congress leader and Government Chief Whip Apu John Joseph has called for “responsible consumption of alcohol”. Speaking to the media, Mr Joseph stated that his party had not yet formally discussed its liquor policy.

“A party meeting will be held soon to discuss the policy,” Mr. Joseph said. “I think public awareness should be raised in order to prevent alcohol-related problems. We must educate people about responsible alcohol consumption, and this awareness should start from an early age. Children should be given early education. Regardless of the alcohol policy, addicted drinkers will still consume alcohol,” he said.

‘Hidden agenda’

However, Mr. Joseph’s statement drew a strong reaction from Prasad Kuruvila, Minister of State and spokesperson of anti-liquor samiti of Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC).

In a statement, Mr Kuruvila criticized Chief Whip’s approach, saying Mr Joseph had become an arbiter of “responsible drinking”. “The Government Chief Whip’s response to suggest that children should be taught ‘responsible drinking’ rather than reducing the availability of alcohol is strange,” Mr Kuruvila said. “Responsible drinking and awareness campaigns will not work in Kerala after making alcohol freely and widely available. Mr. Joseph is the Chief Whip; he should not be the ‘Chief Agent’. This response leads one to suspect a hidden agenda,” he said.