Udupi : The Federation of Wine Merchants Association, Karnataka is to decide on a state wide liquor sale closed in May, if the state government does not comply its demands, said B. Govindaraj Hegde, State Secretary of Federation of Wine Merchants Association.
Speaking to media conference at Sharada Hotel campus during the state level conference, B Govindaraj Hegde said that Chief Ministers need to convene a quick meeting and meet demands, Otherwise massive march in Bengaluru in March, licensing movement in April and bandh in May.
Previously, the CL-7 was issued with the permission of the Department of Tourism to have 20 rooms in the countryside and 30 in the city. After 2018, there are 10 rooms in the countryside and 15 rooms in the city. The rules are being blown into the air. He demanded the repeal of an order that reduced the rooms in relation to the CL-7 charter, he said.
The new CL-4 and CL-7 charters, which have been sanctioned since 2018, are not strictly enforced. This period's charters should be reconsidered. If a defect is found, legal action should be taken. Uniform charter fee for MSIL stores, Uniform charter must be charged to all classes of charters. Alcohol and beer must be charged on the purchase value. This will bring more revenue to the government, he said.
In the excise department, corruption is excessive and it is difficult to conduct business. The State Liquor Association has warned that if the state government does not respond to the demands of liquor traders in the upcoming budget, there will be a fierce fight in Bangalore.
Federation has warned the government that liquor stores will be shut down across the state if the government does not pay attention for it. Members of the Wine Merchant have suggested that the sale of liquor in the canteen and kiosks in the military canteens should be curtailed.
S. Guruswamy Mysore, president of the state unit of the association, said that It is difficult to conduct business due to the oppression and bribery of officials of the Excise Department. CLI-7 License takes from Rs 50 to Rs 60 Lakhs. Appealing to the government on this is of no avail. Chief Ministers must solve the problem immediately. Otherwise, a liquor sellers' across the state will protest, he warned.
In the name of the military canteen store, Seabird, stay home, counterfeit liquor is sold and must be closed. Liquor and Beer Manufacturers have to restrict the liquor and beer offered in the scheme. Action should be taken not to sell illicit liquor in rural huts and dhabas. Secretary Govindaraj Hegde demanded that the law and order system should stop unnecessary liquor stores.
Association Treasurer TM Mehrwade, Divisional President Karunaka Hegde, G. Ramulu Bellary, Ramesh Shalagara Belgaum, Yogesh Bangalore and Gurmey Suresh Shetty were present.