Liquor traders protest against corruption in Karnataka, announcement of closure of more than 10 thousand shops

Karnataka News: Federation of Wine Merchants Association of Karnataka has ordered more than 10800 private liquor shops located in the state to remain closed on November 20. The Excise Department has announced a bandh in protest against alleged corruption and the government not paying attention to their demands. Due to this bandh, all private liquor shops will remain closed in Karnataka, only government shops will remain open. The association has demanded amendment to Section 29 of the Karnataka Excise Act. Which empowers government officials to cancel excise liens and permits.

demand of association
The association has directed to crack down on corruption in the state excise department and called for its merger with the finance ministry. The Karnataka State Tourism Hotel Owners Association has refused to abide by the decision of the association. General Secretary of Federation of Wine Merchant Association B. Govindraj Hegde said that the Chief Minister should hold a meeting to fulfill their demands. However, since the department does not have a budget, they should merge the Excise Department into the Finance Department under the control of the Finance Ministry.

Appeal to the Chief Minister

The association has demanded that the Chief Minister call a meeting to resolve these issues and take action against the corrupt. Another demand seeks a guarantee to increase the profit margin on the sale of liquor to 20 percent, permission to continue supplying liquor in retail shops with CL-2 licenses and permission to set up additional counters in CL-9 bar restaurants. .

hotel association protest

Karnataka State Tourism Hotel Owners Association Secretary Govinda Kaulagi has announced the closure of liquor shops and bars on November 20 without consulting the Wine Merchants Association. Which is a one-sided decision. We have invested heavily in this area. We also pay an additional annual fee. Apart from the deduction, we also want to give 20 percent share in the profit margin.

Hegde made this allegation

During the assembly election campaign in Maharashtra, Hegde had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of taking money. Bribe worth Rs 700 crore has been taken. Calling this allegation baseless, Modi replied that none of our officials has taken bribe.