Extension of bar closure timings will boost state revenue: Renukacharya

Extension of bar closure timings will boost state revenue: Renukacharya

Mangalore Today News Network

May 16: The State Excise Minister M. P. Renukacharya announced that bar and restaurant closure timings in the state might be extended from 11:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. for the benefits of tourists, adding that the move to extend the bar and restaurant closure timings will also boost state revenue. 

The minister further explained that various star hotels and tourists in Mysore, Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli, and other cities of the state had been pressurizing the government to extend the bars and restaurant timings from the present 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. He also pointed out that a number of trade and business conferences are being held in Karnataka, which attracts a number of delegates, tourists, and foreign visitors. 

A final decision regarding the extension of timings will be taken after consulting with the chief minister and the home department. The excise department has no problems with the extension of timings, he said. 

The excise minister also said that compensation will not be paid to the families of those who die drinking illicit liquor. Consumption of illicit liquor is banned in the state and compensation will not be paid to those who die of drinking illicit liquor, he explained.

Bringing attention to the fact that six people died of consuming illicit liquor in Chickballapur during the GP polls, he said that the incident led to the suspension of two excise officials. The police have been instructed to nab the culprits. The minister said that there are proposals to establish village committees in GPs to create awareness. 

The minister said that 753 cases related to illicit liquor have been registered in Belgaum, 53 in Gulbarga, 119 in Hospet, and 75 in Mangalore. Over 4,600 litres of illegal liquor has been seized during the GP campaigns. 

Speaking of excise revenues, he said that the department has collected revenue of Rs 7,500 crore through the sale of liquor in 2009 - 10. In April 2010, the excise revenue collection rose by 24 percent.