Mysuru:  The Karnataka Excise Department has decided to streamline the process of issuing licences to all categories of liquor shops, wine stores, bars and restaurants, clubs and other places that serve liquor. And for this, the entire process will be made online to ensure transparency.

The Department is mulling to implement the online system by July and once in place, the licences must be obtained and renewed through online system.

According to Mysuru Excise Department Deputy Commissioner (in-charge) Manjunath, the online system will curb corruption in the system where licences are handed over after certain officials are bribed.

In Mysuru, there are 46 bars and restaurants on the State Highways and 119 outlets on National Highways. In all, there are 495 bars and restaurants in the district. “Till now, we have been issuing new licences and also renew licences manually and would issue letters of approval. Now, we have developed new software to handle the applications and issue or renew licences,” he said.

Adding, Manjunath said that the State Excise Commissioner Munish Moudgil has directed them to not to initiate the licence issue and renewal process in July and wait till the software is installed at all excise offices.

He said that the Department is expected to issue new circular implementing the online system by July 15.