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State EC may go easy

New Year partying
Last Updated 20 December 2010, 19:14 IST

Concerned over the revenue loss and the sale of liquor through illegal channels, the Excise Department has urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to relax prohibition in the 17 districts which go to the polls.

A liquor sale ban is in the offing in Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Hassan, Kodagu, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajnagar, Belgaum, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Uttara Kannada, Davangere and Koppal.

If the SEC heeds the Excise Department’s request, it could come as a boon for both revellers and pub owners.

An Excise Department official told Deccan Herald: “We have written to the SEC to relax the norms after 5 pm on December 31. Revenue losses apart, our main concern is that the blanket ban on sale of liquor on New Year’s eve could lead to a situation wherein liquor could be sold illegally.”

The department, which dashed off a letter on Monday, has requested the SEC to allow the sale of liquor after 5 pm when the polling ends.

The election code stipulates a ban on the sale of liquor on the eve as well as on the polling day in the jurisdictional areas.

In other words, all bars and wine stores in rural pockets in 17 districts will have to down their shutters on December 30 and 31.

When contacted, SEC Secretary D K Ravindranath said the commission is yet to receive the letter. “The commission will take a decision after taking all aspects into consideration.”

Karnataka Director-General and Inspector General of Police Ajai Kumar Singh said New Year celebrations will be restricted to major cities.


“The Police Department will make security arrangements as per the Election Commission’s suggestions.”

While not too many districts are known for exuberant parties during New Year, the coastal districts make merry when it comes to revelry. However, Mysore in recent times has taken to the culture of New Year celebrations.

The Excise Department’s move will come as a relief to people especially in these districts.
Long queues can be seen in front of liquor marts in Mangalore throughout the day with people purchasing liquor to be stacked in anticipation of a dry day. In line with the rules, the administration, however, said its decision depends on the Election Commission’s move. District Magistrate Subodh Yadhav said: “We are not even thinking on these lines but if the Election Commission gives a nod for relaxation we will follow it.”

Most pubs, resorts and hotels, which usually host the New Year celebrations, are eagerly awaiting the DC’s decision.

No dry day in City

Bangalore urban and Bangalore rural districts will both have a liquor ban-free New Year’s eve as they are out of the election ambit. Elections in the region concluded along with 10 other districts in phase 1 of the zilla and taluk panchayat polls.

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(Published 20 December 2010, 19:14 IST)

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