Karnataka: Joy for tipplers, more liquor licences soon

Bengaluru: Excise minister, Manohar Tahasildar on Sunday disclosed that the state government is mulling issuing licenses to set up more liquor shops as well as permit tapping of neera, the unfermented sap of coconut palms in the state. To buttress his argument, the minister said the state government needs to take good care of its customer base.

“As the licenses have not been issued since 1992, the sale of illicit liquor is thriving and the spurious liquor mafia is raising its head. To end this menace, we need to issue licences,” he argued while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Balija mass marriage programme here.

Coconut farming is an important economic activity in the state, which is one of the three major regions producing the crop.

“The state government was planning to give the go ahead for neera tapping cautiously keeping in mind the nature of the crop, the constant threat that farmers face from diseases and the existing large market for neera,” he claimed.

“The issue of licenses was stopped 23 years ago depending on the population at that point in time, the state government can grant 1,750 CL-2 licenses based on the 2011 census,” the minister contended.

According to the minister, liquor consumers are major contributors to the state exchequer and to the state government, therefore, it was imperative for him to safeguard their interests.

“Retailers in villages are selling liquor over and above the MRP. This is burdening liquor consumers. The state government will accord top priority to address this issue,” he added.