Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KD)

Udupi, May 14: With a view of safeguarding the interests of existing licences, the Federation of Wine Merchants Association of Karnataka (FWMA) has appealed the government not to issue the new licenses to start liquor shops.

B Govindaraj Hegde, association secretary while speaking to the media said that a decision in this regard was taken in the pre-budget discussion of the association.  The association had also submitted a comparative study of the southern states to the state government which clearly indicated that Karnataka has the highest ratio with one shop for 6, 905 population, with a total of 7,646 wine shops for the overall population of 5 crore.  However, the ratio in Tamil Nadu is 1:8,855 and in Andhra Pradesh 1:9,807.

 He further said that the government should set ceiling limits for the shops in village panchayat limits so that the relocation of the excess shops can be done in the urban areas.

Federation has also made a formal request to the government to lessen the tax on the food sold at bars, restaurants, and other such centers selling Indian Manufactured liquors (IML) from existing 12% to 4%.  The Federation has further urged the government to extend cleaning and closing time of the shops.

Federation district charter president B Sudhakar Shetty and the office-bearers of other districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Shimoga, Uttara Kannada and Chikamagalur were also present at the press meet.