Clubs to meet CM, Excise minister to sort out 'issues'

The Federation of Clubs-Karnataka has decided to form a committee to approach Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Excise Minister Satish Jharkiholi and other stakeholders to amicably sort out issues, if there are any.

“We want to be a law-abiding body and we will do everything that is necessary to be law-abiding citizens. Let the higher authorities and the Excise minister and the chief minister tell us what needs to be done and fulfilled. We are ready to do so,” the Federation members, headed by its president Feroze Sattar Sait and secretary H S Srikanth, stated at a press conference on Thursday.

The press meet was called to clear anxieties that have cropped up in the wake of cancellation of the excise licence of the Bangalore Club. How the issue is settled at the Club is important because it has implications for the functioning of other clubs in the City and the State.

The Federation decided to form the committee at the earliest. Apart from the chief minister and Excise minister, the Federation will meet officials of the BBMP, the Excise department, Bescom and BWSSB to sort out issues if there are any.

President Sait and secretary Srikanth said the clubs were contributing to the revenue of the State and also that they were selling liquor of only the Karnataka State Beverages Corporation Limited.

“We are not selling foreign liquor or duty-free liquor or from any other source except the KSBCL. We are following the law and we would be happy if the stakeholders tell us if there are any issues. We are willing to sort out all of them. We are also not involved in any commercial activity.”

Sait and Srikanth also made the point that the clubs were keen to be associated with sports personalities, especially those who have done the City, the State and the country proud. “We want to focus on the development of society and we welcome any idea that will help sharpen our vision and focus.”