The Excise Department’s latest proposal seeks permission to establish 20 new liquor outlets operated by Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) Belgaum and the possibility of liquor sales in supermarkets. The CL-11C license is a retail shop license issued to government-owned or controlled companies in Karnataka, India. The Deputy Commissioner grants the license only to companies owned or controlled by the state government.
According to the Excise Department, this proposal primarily seeks approval to set up 389 new MSIL (CL-11C) stores in various regions statewide, including 91 in both Bengaluru North and South, 20 in Belgaum, 20 in Kalaburagi, 22 in Hospet, 51 in Mangalore, and 43 in Mysore city. Notably, the proposition also contemplates the revival of licenses for Independent Beer Outlets (R.V.B.) that had been discontinued over a decade ago. At present, Karnataka boasts a total of 12,593 liquor outlets, and the proposal’s main objective is to augment this number with the inclusion of 389 new MSIL (CL-11C) establishments.
Furthermore, the proposal suggests allowing liquor shops to operate along national and state highways within Gram Panchayats that meet the criteria of a population of 3,000. It also advocates for the legalization of approximately 40% of shops currently under individual leases, as opposed to licenses or lessees.
In the realm of Retail Vend of Beer (RVB), the proposal introduces a licensing fee of Rs. 2 lakh, signifying the revival of these licenses after an extended period of suspension. This adjustment aims to create a more equitable competitive landscape among businesses engaged in the sale of beer. Additionally, the proposal introduces a fresh license category, CL-2(A), which would permit liquor sales within malls and supermarkets located in Bengaluru city and district centers, provided that the establishment’s size exceeds 7,500 sq. m.
In sum, this proposal has sparked a diverse array of reactions within Belgaum and beyond. While some view it as a necessary adaptation to evolving retail dynamics and a means to foster fair competition, others are concerned about the potential increase in the accessibility of liquor within the region.
