Published Nov 09, 2026 | 6:29 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 09, 2026 | 6:29 PM
The granting of the bar licence had triggered a controversy in the Excise Department.
Synopsis: The Keralam government has revoked the authorisation and FL-7 licence approval granted to Air Lounge at Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, during former Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao’s tenure. The applicant can, however, seek a refund of the ₹2 lakh remitted as the licence fee. The establishment can submit a fresh application after the new liquor policy is announced, subject to the rules and conditions in force at the time. The approval had triggered an Excise Department controversy after Rao reportedly issued the order on 22 June without the knowledge of Excise Minister M Liju.
The Keralam government has revoked the authorisation and FL-7 licence approval granted to Air Lounge, a bar proposed on the second floor of Terminal 3 at Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, during the tenure of former Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao.
The order was issued by Additional Excise Commissioner R Jayashankar, who is currently holding charge as Excise Commissioner. The applicant can, however, seek a refund of the ₹2 lakh remitted as the licence fee. The establishment can submit a fresh application after the new liquor policy is announced, subject to the rules and conditions in force at the time.
The government revoked the approval after obtaining legal advice, having decided not to grant fresh bar licences, including FL-7 licences, until the UDF government’s new liquor policy comes into force.
The order notes that, under the Foreign Liquor Rules, an establishment cannot start operations merely on the strength of an order authorising a licence. The actual issuance of the licence is mandatory. The applicant had remitted ₹2 lakh as the licence fee, but the government has now rejected the application.
The granting of the bar licence had triggered a controversy in the Excise Department and cost Rao his post as Excise Commissioner. Rao had reportedly signed the order granting the airport permissions on 22 June, without the Excise Minister, M Liju, being informed of the decision.
The government had sought an explanation from Rao over the issuance of licences in violation of the directive. Liju had also ordered a report on how the applications were processed and approved without his knowledge.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
