Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Apr 27: Whether it is the effect of soaring mercury or election fever, liquor in Karnataka is in short supply. Liquor sellers say that they are facing inconvenience as the state liquor corporation is not supplying liquor as per their demand.

More than 20 lac carton boxes of indigenous liquor and beer is being supplied in Karnataka. However, at present, the demand has gone up by 20%. This means, the present demand is around 22 to 25 lac carton boxes. In the wake of election code of conduct, only liquor as was supplied earlier is given to the selling points according to Karunakar Hegde, president of bar owners’ association of state.

There are 25 distilleries that produce liquor in Karnataka. Earlier, the liquor was produced in two shifts. Now only one shift production is carried out. That is why the liquor is in short supply. Due to this, people living in border areas of Goa, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh go to those states to consume liquor. But liquor merchants in Karnataka are not allowed to bring liquor from other states.

The state assembly election activity has also increased the demand for liquor. In addition, the due to soaring mercury liquor lovers are demanding more beer. At present, the beer sales is down to only 45,000 to 50000 litres. Liquor corporation and excise department should take action, urge the liquor merchants.

Election officers are visiting the liquor selling joints every now and then to ensure that no scam is in progress on. They are taking details of buyers who take huge quantity of liquor.