Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Jul 2: As the Supreme Court order relating to the bars located along national and state highways came into effect from July 1, nearly 430 bars in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi closed their shutters voluntarily.

The Supreme Court order said that liquor shops located within 500 and 220 meters on the national and state highways respectively should stop operating after June 30.

As per data available with Excise Department, nearly 230 shops in Udupi district and 200 shops in Dakshina Kannada district were asked to close the business.

Some restaurants attached to these bars also closed as they may not get good business without liquor. Also they need time to shift.

The licence holders under CL 9 (Bar and Restaurant) and CL 2 (Wine Shop) are allowed to shift the shops away from highways while CL 7 (Bar and Restaurant registered under Tourism Department) category licence holders will not get any chance for shifting.

But who will stop the drinkers from consuming liquor? They were seen walking for long distances or using auto rickshaws to reach the bars.

In Kadaba, where two bars stand closed, drinkers had only one option to buy from government owned MSIL shop. A long queue was seen throughout the day there for hours on Saturday. But as per reports, none went back home thirsty.