Bengaluru Rajajinagar MLA S Suresh seeks action against bars, liquor shops violating norms

Bengaluru: Raising concerns over alleged large-scale violations of prescribed business hours by liquor outlets, Rajajinagar MLA S Suresh Kumar has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking strict enforcement of rules governing bars and liquor shops across the
state.

In his letter, Suresh Kumar​, the former minister, said that during his daily ward walk initiative, where he spends at least 90 minutes interacting with residents and assessing local issues, he observed a ‘serious and disturbing trend’ of bars operating far beyond the permitted hours. He alleged that ​many establishments begin business as early as 5 am, in blatant violation of norms.

While acknowledging that liquor sales contribute significantly to the state exchequer through excise revenue,​ Suresh Kumar criticised the government for ignoring the social consequences of alcohol consumption.

He said  government’s guarantee schemes such as Gruhalakshmi and Shakti aim to support households financially, but unchecked liquor access undermines these efforts by pushing many into addiction.​ Liquor outlets too are mandated to operate only within prescribed timings. However, he claimed that enforcement has been weak, allowing widespread violations.

​T​he MLA said he had personally visited a few bars early in the morning and found them open between 6 am and 7 am, with customers allegedly consuming alcohol in an inebriated state. Visuals of such inspections have also circulated widely on social media, he added.

Expressing concern over the impact on residential areas, he pointed out that women and children are often exposed to ‘disturbing scenes’ due to such early-morning operations.

​Suresh Kumar urged the government​ to initiate strict enforcement of notified business hours for liquor shops and bars, and action against excise and police officials if violations continue. Alternatively, he said, if the government is unable to enforce restrictions, it should officially permit 24x7 operations instead of allowing illegal practices to persist.