Ready to Say ‘CHEERS’, but Not So Soon! Liquor Shops in State Awaiting Nod from CM to OPEN

Ready to Say ‘CHEERS’, but Not So Soon! Liquor Shops in State Awaiting Nod from CM to OPEN

Mangaluru: Don’t get too excited-hold on to your thirst for a while to sip on your favourite booze-because even though rumours are spreading on social media that liquor shops may open on 15 or 16 April, is far from truth, as Chief Minister Yediyurappa is yet to decide and give the green signal. Following rumours that the state govt is contemplating allowing liquor shops run by Mysuru Sales International Ltd (MSIL) to open from 15 April or 16, some retail outlets in North Karnataka have swung into action, where they have already started installed barricades and marking circles to maintain social distancing in front of their shops. And these images are already gone viral on social media, and had created a buzz.

MSIL outlets in other parts of the state have made necessary arrangements already for their customers to stand in a queue in front of their shops, and have installed wooden barricades in front of their liquor shops. Netizens who are waiting for liquor shops to open have overwhelmingly reacted to the pictures that have gone viral on social media, and many have stated that the government’s decision has come as a big relief. Interestingly, the state govt has not decided on the excise department’s proposal to allow the sale of liquor during the remainder of the lockdown period. It is learnt that the decision is likely to be taken by CM after approval from PM Narendra Modi.

But as of now, the liquor shops will remain close until a announcement is made by the CM, and if at all liquor shops (only MSIL outlets) are allowed to open for few hours, just imagine what would be the queue of people desperately waiting to buy their favourite booze. In the meantime, Associations representing liquor stores have written to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, urging that the state government consider allowing the sale of alcohol for two hours each day. Sources reveal that the association has written to the CM requesting that they be allowed to open their stores for two hours a day for customers to purchase alcohol. The letter pointed out that on the one hand alcohol-dependent people had died or attempted suicide in some cases, on the other, around 60 liquor theft cases were registered across the state, including those of sale of spurious liquor. “In an order to avoid this, allow us to take up our business,’’ the letter said.

The Federation of Wine Merchants Association of Karnataka also wrote to the CM and chief secretary raising similar concerns and assured the government that they would ensure physical distance was maintained if they were allowed to open. They pointed out that some of their goods were nearing the expiry date and if not sold before then would cause them losses. Over 50 lorries are stuck in transit as only essential goods are permitted to be unloaded. The association said that its members found it difficult to meet expenses such as rent, salaries, tax, power bills etc, while business remained shut.

 It is learnt that the state excise department recently suspended the licences of 22 shops for selling liquor in violation of the law mainly in Mysuru and Hospete divisions. Police have also registered numerous cases of theft at liquor shops. According to a senior police official, allowing liquor shops to open at this juncture is not a good idea. “At present, people are stepping out to buy groceries and vegetables, while some are stepping out unnecessarily. Our people are struggling. If government allows liquor shops to open, it will add more chaos,’’ he said.

Now, if at all the govt makes a decision to open the liquor shops for couple of hours, ONLY MSIL liquor outlets will be permitted to sell alcohol-which would create a chaos and what not. In Dakshina Kannada there are around ten MSIL outlets, of which two are located in Mangaluru-one at Bendore, opposite TVS showroom, and the other in Nagori. Two shops, open for two hours-and for such a large population of Mangaluru to buy liquor is going to be a disaster? But anyways, all you beer guzzlers and hard liquor sippers, keep your fingers crossed, and hope for the best. Cheers well in advance, in case the wine shops open!