NEW DELHI: India’s top court on Thursday temporarily halted Kerala’s move to ban alcohol.

The Supreme Court stayed the Kerala government’s plans to introduce almost complete prohibition from Friday, following uproar from hoteliers who feared the move would drive away tourists seeking some booze with their beach holiday.

The court stopped the move until the end of the month to allow the High Court in Kerala time to hear petitions from bar owners who say the move is discriminatory and threatens their businesses.

“There is no coercive action till Sept. 30,” Justice Anil R. Dave told the court, announcing the stay.

The judge also questioned the policy, which would mean 700 bars losing their licences straight away, although shops selling liquor would be phased out over 10 years and five-star hotels exempt from the ban except on Sundays.

With its sweeping coastline, riverboats and emerald tea plantations, Kerala has become a leading tourist draw in India.

But behind the paradisiacal slogan, the state has a damaging drinking problem among its 34 million population, leading the government to opt abruptly for almost complete prohibition.

Kerala has the highest consumption levels in India.