Be it bylanes of Kalasipalya or the dingy crossroads of Magadi Road, there was not much activity. Regulars at these outlets mourned that the government had meated out injustice to their flock.
There was nothing much to cheer about for ‘guzzlers’ on Day 1 of the arrack ban.
Sunday was rather sombre for them with all outlets selling country-made liquor downing shutters following the State government diktat.
Be it bylanes of Kalasipalya or the dingy crossroads of Magadi Road, there was not much activity. Regulars at these outlets ‘mourned’ that the government had meated out injustice to their flock. ‘Double the amount’
“It is virtually impossible for us to shell out extra money for the new spirit. A sachet used to cost just Rs 13. Now, for this bottled spirit, I have to pay double the amount I used to pay for arrack,” said Veeramma while purchasing a bottle of Indian Made Liquor (IML) at a wine store on Kalasipalya main road.
“We are suffering a huge loss because of the ban. Earlier, we used to earn Rs 500 to 600, but today even after 9.30 pm, we have not been able to earn more than Rs 100,” said Krishna, a food vendor.
Similarly, the food racks on Gangadharan's Pork Stall was still stocked with meat indicating he hardly had any customers.
While the ban was a disappointment for many, some welcomed it as it meant their business see a boom now.
Demand for beer
Basavaraj, who sells a mug of beer for Rs 10, never had it so good.
On Sunday, he had served seven litres of beer since afternoon, while he hardly used to sell more than a litre or two.
A few wine store owners said it was too early for them to say the ban has helped them get new customers.
“The cheapest liquor is available for Rs 27 (180 ml), while an arrack sachet cost just Rs 13. Besides, they have also stocked arrack knowing it would be banned,” said Vasanth Kumar, owner of a bar located a few yards from a closed arrack outlet.
