How many applications have been received by the Excise Department for license renewal and relocation of pubs and bars?
We have received around 330 applications to relocate the number of shops and many of them have already initiated the process to shift their outlets. As far as license renewal is concerned, none of the bars which are within 500 metres of the highway have been allowed to function.
Though liquor does not come under the new GST regime, prices have shot up by 28%. What will the excise department do?
The MRP of liquor is subject to excise rules which have not been changed. Selling liquor at a price higher than the MRP is illegal and action can be taken under Section 36 of the Karnataka Excise Act. Excise officials, who determine the MRP for CL-2 (retail) licence holders, term any selling of a bottle of beer or scotch above the marked price illegal. Traders have to sell the drink at a price they used to before the GST rolled out.
Will the excise department freeze stocks of pubs and bars which have been asked to not to serve liquor?
All the pubs and bars which fall under the ambit of the ban have been asked to stop serving liquor from July 1. If they are found to be serving alcohol, excise officials will definitely take appropriate action under the Excise Act. Their licenses to sell alcohol have not been renewed.
–Rajendra Prasad, Excise Department Joint Commissioner
