The Karnataka government on Monday said it was not in favour of extending business hours of pubs and bars in the State beyond the existing 11.30 pm.
“There is no need for such a measure. The existing rule of allowing liquor sales upto 11.30 pm will continue. There is no proposal before the government to extend that time,” Home Minister Dr V. S. Acharya told reporters here.
Mr. Acharya dismissed as “personal” the recent statement by Excise Minister M. P. Renukacharya that the government was considering extending the timing of sale of liquor in pubs, bars and star hotels upto 1.30 am.
Mr. Renukacharya had not sent any proposal to the Home Ministry to this effect, he said.
Mr. Acharya said the anti-naxal force has stepped up its operations against the ultras in the districts of Shimoga, Chikmagalur and Udupi.