Issuing a press statement in this regard, he said that in several of the taluk’s villages - particularly in the villages of Nonavinakere and Honnavalli - shops selling illicit liquor are located very close to residential areas and illicit liquor is easily accessible to habitual drinkers 24 hours a day.

Illicit liquor costs less than licensed liquor, and gives a ‘kick’ earlier. This is why alcoholics prefer to consume illicit liquor. Earlier, they would drink only after the evening, but now, they drink through the day. The public are under the impression that this business has the approval of the Excise Department, he stated, questioning why officials have not taken action on these shops. The police have not taken any action because they do not want to face the heat alone, what with the Excise Department choosing to remain silent over the issue.

More than half the shops in Tiptur sell illicit liquor. It is supported by a local politician, who puts pressure on any police officials who try to take any action against the offenders. The indifferent attitude of the Excise Department has led to this problem, and there is a need to warn the Excise Department about the same.