Karnataka ponders over new licences for retail beer vends

Karnataka government is reportedly mulling upon giving additional independent or stand-alone licences for retail vend of beer (RVB) shops in the 11 municipal corporations in the state in an effort to increase revenue and meet the increased demand for tap (draught) beer.

However, there is no official confirmation yet regarding this information. Setting up an RVB will be subject to certain requirements. To get input from the public, the government will publish a notice. After the proper procedure, the final notification will be released.

For more than ten years, it was common practice to grant independent RVB permits in the state; however, this practice has since been discontinued.

Currently, clubs (CL4), hotels and boarding houses (CL7), pubs and restaurants (CL9) and star hotels (CL-6A) in Karnataka can request RVB as an associated licence.