Mysuru: To ensure free, fair and peaceful polling on Apr. 18, the Excise Department has ordered the closure of all 535 wholesale and retail liquor shops including Military Canteens, Star Hotels, Clubs, Bars attached to Restaurants and Wine Stores across the district from Apr. 16 evening (6pm) to Apr. 18 midnight.

The Deputy Commissioner of Excise Rupa has issued orders prohibiting sale and storage of liquor during the LS elections. Accordingly, bars and pubs have already gone dry.

Of the total 535 liquor outlets in the district, 181 of them are retail shops (CL-2 licence holders), 16 clubs (CL-4), 3  Star Hotels, 134 Boarding and Lodging (CL-7), 138 Bar & Restaurants (CL-9), 28 MSIL outlets (11-C), Military Canteens (CL-8), 30 wine stores and 4 other shops.

Speaking to SOM, the Excise DC said that the Department had been supplying only ten per cent excess demand in the last three years against their average sale demand to restrict the sale of liquor. However, the Department will supply the liquor according to the demands of the shops after counting of votes on May 23, without imposing any restrictions.

Meanwhile, she said there is no restriction on consumption of alcohol at households provided one does not create nuisance at public places. As anti-social elements are likely to take advantage of the situation after consumption of liquor by indulging in acts of violence and disrupt free, fair and peaceful conduct of elections, the Excise Department has restricted liquor sale during the period.  

The District Administration has declared dry days as per the directions of the Election Commission of India.

Poll code violation Rs. 2.25 crore worth liquor seized in 149 raids

Deputy Commissioner of Excise Rupa said that the Department had conducted 149 raids, booked 631 cases and arrested 448 persons for violating the model code of conduct and for flouting the excise rules after the code of conduct was enforced in  the district from Mar.10 till Apr.16.

The Officials have seized 19,360 litres of Indian Made Liquor (IML), 22,814 litres of beer bottles and 109 vehicles, all worth Rs. 2.25 crore.