Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Dec 21: The excise department has made it mandatory for event organisers, wedding halls, resorts, and homestays in Udupi district to obtain a CL-5 license for serving liquor at events, including Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In a meeting held on Friday, Dr Balakrishna C H, joint excise commissioner (Mangaluru division), informed local venue owners and event managers that they must obtain the necessary license to serve alcohol. He also emphasised that only taxed liquor should be served at these events, cautioning against the use of Goa liquor, tax-free liquor, or counterfeit alcohol.

"Even for private events such as Mehendi ceremonies, where liquor is served with meals, a CL-5 license is required," Dr Balakrishna stated, stressing the department’s commitment to enforcing excise laws.

He further warned that violations would result in legal action and called for public cooperation in reporting any excise-related offenses.

Complaints can be filed regarding illegal activities and excise violations with the Udupi District Excise Deputy Commissioner and other designated officers to the following contacts: Udupi District Excise deputy commissioner (Phone: 9449597104), Udupi sub-division Excise sub-inspector (Phone: 9482520693), Kundapura sub-division Excise sub-inspector (Phone: 9448921980), Udupi Range-1 Excise inspector (Phone: 944883554), Udupi Range-2 Excise inspector (Phone: 9731860034), Karkala Range Excise inspector (Phone: 8892839092), Kundapura Range Excise inspector (Phone: 9731674117), and District Excise inspector (Phone: 9035773785).

The meeting was attended by Udupi district excise deputy commissioner Bindushree P and other excise officials.