Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Feb 11: Bye election for legislative council of Bengaluru education constituency will take place on February 14. In the wake of this alcohol sale is prohibited from February 14 to 16. It is said that the state is going to lose revenue of Rs 300 crore due to this ban.

Bengaluru City District Liquor Traders’ Association (BCDLTA) has written a letter in this regard to the election officer and expressed their unhappiness over the prohibition.

Usually liquor sale will be more on Valentine’s Day. Around 50% more revenue is generated on that day by various pubs and restaurants on that day. However, due to the prohibition 3700 joints will face inconvenience and losses due to the prohibition.

The association has requested the Election Commission to reconsider its decision as the voters are just 16, 000 and all of them are educated and intelligent. It also asked the Election commission officials to take suitable decision and cooperate with Food and Beverages industry for their survival.

P C Rao, president of Brihut Bengaluru hotel owners’ association said, “The decision of EC to prohibit alcohol for four days is unscientific and unexpected. Many restaurants organize programmes on Valentine’s Day. The sudden ban on the alcohol causes huge losses. It is expected that Rs 450 crore business will take place in the four days of prohibition. Excise department will gain Rs 250 crore out of the same. This prohibition will not only affect the hotel owners but government also. According to statistics, state government gets Rs 60 crore revenue everyday through excise tax.”