Stung by strict enforcement after the model code of conduct came into force, several district wine merchants’ associations have passed resolutions seeking the Excise Department’s permission to close down liquor vending outlets till the election is over.
While associations of Chikkamagaluru, Bengaluru Urban and Gadag have already passed the resolution and sent it to the Excise Commissioner, more districts are expected to follow suit.
The resolutions have been passed on Thursday and Friday and sent to respective district excise and revenue officials.
The Karnataka Wine Merchants’ Association (KWMA), an umbrella organisation, is also set to meet Election Commission officials seeking permission to close down the outlets till the election.
“We cannot take the risk during this time. Even for small violations, licences are being suspended. We also do not want to be party to post-drinks altercation that may take place. We also want the election to be peaceful for which we have resolved to seek permission for closure of our shops and bars,” Chikkamagaluru Wine Merchants’ Association president R. Mallikarjun told The Hindu .
He said that the wine stores and bars require permission from the Excise Department to close, but added that though the district association has passed the resolution it is not mandatory to close.
“If someone wants to take the risk, they can open the shop. If someone wants to close they can close down for the next 20 days.”
Representation to EC
According to Honnagiri Gowda, general secretary of KWMA, the association will also make a representation to the EC in a day or two and seek permission for closure. “Once the licence is suspended, we have to pay a heavy fine. Instead we can stop functioning.”
He said that it for the first time that wine merchants are resorting to this extreme step.
Acknowledging the development, Excise Commissioner Munish Moudgil said that the department will not allow closure of liquor vending outlets because associations want it.
“If someone closes the outlets, we will impose a fine.”
‘Zero tolerance’
Stating that there will be zero tolerance for violations, especially that is election related, he said that while the department has suspended licences and closed shops, they will be allowed to open after the elections.
“We have also directed officials not to book frivolous cases just to show numbers and go after only genuine cases.”
Department sources said that it is likely to resort to cancelling licences for violating code of conduct, but will only close them down.
“Enforcement officials have been told not to book cases on technical grounds. We are looking for election-related violations and going by the rule book to do so.”
