SC clarification on liquor ban brings cheer

The ban was enforced by Excise Department on June 30

Owners of most bars, pubs, and wine stores, in and around M.G. Road, Church Street and Brigade Road, hope to be back in business soon following the clarification.

The Supreme Court’s clarification on the ban on liquor being served within 500 meters of national highways located within municipal limits has brought cheer to an industry, which was gasping for relief.

While news of the clarification, allowing pubs and restaurants located within city limits to serve alcohol, spread on Wednesday evening, pub owners in Central Business District and other affected areas who had decided to wait it out in spite of mounting losses were overjoyed to hear that they could open their establishments and welcome guests again. With losses amounting to lakhs, several owners had begun searching for alternative venues.

“If it is true, it is great news for Bengaluru. Shifting is not an easy task. We did not want to shift our original Pecos pub as it would not have been the same. We hope to be back in business soon if the decision is true,” said Collin Timms, founder of the iconic Pecos pub on Rest House Road off Brigade Road.

The ban was enforced by the State Excise Department from midnight on June 30.

Some pubs had chosen to switch over to serving only food. This had taken a major toll on their business with patrons staying away. On Tuesday, the dismissal of several petitions by the High Court of Karnataka as well as the Centre’s refusal to de-notify national highways passing within the city limits had further affected the morale of owners, managers and employees.

The exact method of re-opening remains to be seen but it is most likely to be through a reapplication for a license. Considering that the State government had written to the Union government on behalf of these pubs and restaurants, it should not be a hard task, some owners said optimistically.

“The decision by the Supreme Court had affected the spirit of the city. I am glad to see that the court has clarified the matter. I look forward to visiting my favourite pub soon and I am sure there will be a massive celebration,” said Abhay Singh, a resident of Vasanthnagar.

Excise department officials did not comment on the matter on Wednesday as the order would have to be examined before any official decision could be made.