‘Exemption rule allowing liquor sale’

There is a ban on the sale of liquor and tobacco products near schools and colleges. However, another rule of the government provides for their unabated sale.

The excise commissioner not only submitted this before the legislature committee on subordinate legislation, but also pleaded helplessness on doing anything about it.

No wine store should be given a license within the 100-yard radius of educational institutions. However, the shops take relief under section 5 of the Excise Rules, the officer told the panel.

In 2014, the government took a decision to regularise liquor shops near educational institutions, hospitals and places of worship through an amendment to Rule 5 of the Karnataka Excise Licenses (General Conditions), Rules 1967, it was pointed out.