No Liquor Sales Across Karnataka On November 20 Due To Vendor Protest

Alcohol sales will be suspended across Karnataka on November 20 as liquor vendors plan to protest ongoing issues with the state's Excise Department. The protest will take place despite there being no significant public holiday or special occasion, such as Gandhi Jayanti or the imposition of Section 144.

Govindaraj Hegde, General Secretary of the Federation of Wine Merchants Association, confirmed that the protest will occur at Independence Park in Bengaluru. Speaking at a press conference, Hegde stated that the primary goal of the protest is to demand compensation for financial losses and address corruption within the Excise Department.

"We are organizing this protest to shed light on the problems facing our industry," said Hegde. "We are calling for the involvement of the Chief Minister, Excise Minister, and police to resolve these issues. The corruption within the Excise Department has become a major concern, and it needs immediate attention."

Liquor Sellers' Key Demands:

1. A minimum 20% profit margin on retail liquor sales.
2. Allow alcohol consumption in CL-2 establishments.
3. Amend laws to allow additional counters in CL-9 for takeaway liquor and beer sales.
4. Review and amend Section 29 of the Excise Act, as amended in 2005.
5. Repeal or modify Government Order AE/36/EWP/2018 (August 6, 2020) and Order No. HD 16 PES-2017 (July 5, 2018).
6. Ensure fair decisions regarding the MSIL license.
7. Take strict legal action against the sale of fake liquor, including from military canteen stores and duty-free outlets, and against smuggling from Goa.
8. Ensure adherence to license conditions for CL8, CL8A, and CL8B.
9. Issue clear instructions to prevent unnecessary police interference and the suspension of licenses.
10. Reduce penalties for common license violations while increasing penalties for unlicensed liquor sales.
11. Enforce strict action against illegal liquor sales in dhabas, meat hotels, and rural areas.

Liquor vendors are demanding a fair and transparent system to prevent exploitation and corruption within the Excise Department, believing that addressing these issues will help stabilize the liquor industry and promote fair business practices.