Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 2: The government is actively considering a proposal to sell liquor online. Excise minister H Nagesh, dropped broad hints about this at a press meet he addressed on Tuesday September 1. Noting that other states have been selling liquor online, he said that a committee headed by the commissioner in the excise department, Lokesh, has been formed to conduct detailed study and submit a report.

"Women and youngsters find it difficult to move out to buy liquor. Therefore, we are considering this option. We will discuss the advantages and negative points of this proposal with experts. There is of course opposition from some quarters for online liquor sale. After the report is received covering these points, the issue will be discussed threadbare with the chief minister before a final decision is arrived at," he explained.

The minister noted that liquor consumption has been permitted in clubs, pubs, as well as bars and restaurants from Tuesday onwards. He said that the government expects a revenue of Rs 80 crore every day, adding that this might account for 50 percent rise in the department's revenue.

He clarified that fresh licences have already been issued to open MSIL outlets and no other liquor outlets are being permitted now. He said that if the department comes to know about drug peddling cases, the information will be shared with the police department, and the practicability of conducting joint operations will be explored.