Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, May 8: The state government is earning huge revenue from the liquor sale, which was permitted since May 4 in the state. Now the state government has gone one step ahead and has allowed the sale of liquor in bars, pubs and clubs also.

Earlier, permission was granted only to Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) to sell liquor and standalone retail shops. However, after seeing the huge demand now the pubs and clubs are also given permission to sell liquor in the state as per the information provided by excise minister H Nagesh.

From Saturday, May 9, liquor will be allowed to be sold in all pubs and clubs throughout the state. But the excise department has put the condition that it should be sold only at a maximum retail price (MRP). Otherwise, the license of the seller will be cancelled. Pubs and clubs are allowed to function only between 9 am and 7 pm.

The minister said, "The annual income from the excise department is Rs 25,000 crore to the government. This year the income will be more by Rs 2,500 crore."

The minister also said that he has not come across the orders given the Supreme Court regarding the online sale of liquor. The minister said that there is no harm if the same is allowed.

Excise commissioner relaxes rules for liquor sale

The excise commissioner has announced certain relaxation in sales of liquor in liquor outlets. In a press release he has stated that a large amount of liquor and beer has remained unsold in CL-4, CL-7 and CL-9 liquor shops which remained closed due to coronavirus lockdown. Beer is best before six months and has to be destroyed as it is unfit for human consumption after the duration.

Crores of rupees worth liquor and beer that has remained unsold will have to be destroyed inevitably. The process will cause financial hardships to liquor shops as they have to spend for electricity, salary to the workers and interest on loan.

Therefore, the commissioner has permitted to sell liquor in CL-4, CL-7 and CL-9 liquor shops from May 8 to May 17 or until stocks last whichever is earlier in the manner in which CL-2 shops function in addition to certain additional conditions as follows:

1. Only sealed bottles can be sold at the fixed MRP rates to the customers

2. Liquor and beer in stock can be sold to CL-2 liquor shops

3. Restaurants attached to CL-4, CL-7 and CL-9 liquor shops can sell food only in the form of parcels (take away)