NEW DELHI: An Indian court on Thursday upheld a ban on alcohol served in most bars in the southern tropical state of Kerala.

The Kerala High Court backed the state government’s plans to introduce almost complete prohibition in a bid to tackle the area’s drinking problem.

Justice K. Surendra Mohan said “the challenge made against the policy” by hoteliers “fails,” rejecting arguments that the move would drive away tourists seeking some booze with their beach holiday.

Hotel owners warned that hotels would close as a result of the ruling — although not as many as originally feared.

The Kerala government had planned for all hotels to close, although shops selling liquor would be phased out over 10 years.

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

The state has a damaging drinking problem among its 34 million population, leading the government to opt for almost complete prohibition.