535 liquor shops shut ahead of voting

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