Federation Calls for Non Discrimination among License Holders

The Federation of Karnataka Wine Merchants’ Association has urged the state government of Karnataka to not discriminate among licence holders “if it allows sale of liquor in the coming days” post 14 th April.

The association urged that not only wine stores and MSIL outlets in the state, but bars and clubs in the state should also be permitted to sell liquor, which calls for a change in rule. The association reasoned that it would be discriminatory if only one set of liquor vending outlets were permitted to open, and moreover then it would create artificial rush and affect the business of bar owners.

Their appeal came after the Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa, stated that they were exploring the option of allowing the state government-owned MSIL outlets to sell liquor after 14 th April, based on the Union Government guidelines.

While MSIL operates 789 outlets in Karnataka, there are about 10,200 liquor licensees operating in various categories in the state such as bars, clubs and wine stores among others.