Mysuru: The illegal liquor sales is back, as the din over fire mishap that occurred at a restobar in Dattagalli in the city on June 15, claiming two lives and leaving six persons injured, has fallen into silence. The restobar that went up in flames, was serving liquor illegally to the customers. 

As per Excise rules and regulations, the wine stores falling under CL-2 licence type are authorised to sell bottled liquor, but prohibited from allowing the customers to consume liquor on the premises. However, to cash in on sales, the wine stores were allowing the customers to consume liquor in a separate room attached to the outlet, in violation of the rules.  

Following the fire mishap, Excise and Police personnel, conducted a joint operation and filed cases against such liquor vends, including the restaurants, which were illegally supplying the liquor. 

The restaurants in the periphery of Outer-Ring Road (ORR), which had popularised the concept of ‘Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) or Bring Your Own Liquor (BYOL)’, had also put up ‘Liquor Not Allowed’ boards, fearing Excise Department action. 

When Star of Mysore did a reality check, it was found that, the situation is back to normal, with customers consuming liquor at the premises of wine store and other unauthorised places, caring a hoot to the rules and regulations. Besides, the name boards of wine stores and bar and restaurants, have been modified in a clear violation of law.  

As per Excise Department regulations, it is mandatory to put up the boards consisting of official name of the shop, licence number, licence type, period of licence. Instead, the boards sponsored by liquor companies to promote their respective brand of liquor have been put up. 

Senior Superintendent of Excise Vikram said, the licensee should abide by the terms and conditions. If the MRP outlets or bars have allowed their customers to consume liquor at the same premises, action will be taken against them without showing any leniency. It is mandatory to display board consisting licence number. 

“Following the directions of the Government, a survey of liquor shops was conducted through Excise personnel from outside the district. A report has been submitted to the Government and action will be taken, as per the directions issued by the Government,” he added.