Highway liquor ban: Karnataka liquor vendors get temporary relief

Bengaluru: Owners of liquor shops in Karnataka, who were waiting for the Supreme Court's direction, heaved a sigh of relief after learning that they had time till September 30 to relocate if they received a notice from the authorities.

An official in the Excise Department said, "The establishments have time until the end of their license period, or September 30. Karnataka's excise year is from July 1 to June 30."

The apex court, had on Friday, granted the relief to states in which the annual excise period extends beyond April 1, which was when the December 15 judgment would have come into force.

However, owners of liquor shops said it was only a temporary relief. "Instead of closing down on Saturday, we will have to close down a little later," said Manjappa, whose shop is in K.R. Puram.

Pradeep. A, who manages a 40-year-old bar at T. Dasarahalli, said, "The Supreme Court order confirms our worst fears — we have to close and there will be no relief. However, as we have six months’ time, we can start looking for alternative locations."

Significantly, the Supreme Court clarified that the ban covers not just retail liquor outlets but also bars, pubs and restaurants.