Karnataka to open 900 liquor shops

The Karnataka government has revived its plan to open 900 liquor shops across the state following a huge dip in excise revenue due to the Supreme Court ban on liquor vends near highways.

These outlets, including 30 in Bangalore city, will be run by the Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL). Although the state finance department had cleared the proposal last year, the move was shelved due to opposition from other parties. The MSIL had, in fact, called for tenders to establish 350 outlets in the first phase, on the condition that the shops would have detachable furniture so that outlets could be shifted to other locations depending on demand.

Keeping in with the apex court order, the government plans to first identify suitable locations. The outlets will sell  IMFL  at  MRP,  sourced  through  Karnataka  State Beverages Corporation.