BENGALURU:
Bollywood legend Rishi Kapoor’s tweets on the unavailability of liquor have struck a chord with many across the country who long for their daily peg, especially in a time of nationwide coronavirus-related lockdown.
Now, it looks like Karnataka may allow MRP liquor shops to start takeaway services from Tuesday.
According to the state excise department, there are 9,500 CL9 and CL2 licence-holders in Karnataka, of which 3,500 alone are in the state capital. “Almost all state governments depend on the huge revenues from the sale of liquor and after the nationwide lockdown it has become very difficult for governments to generate revenues. Hence, the Karnataka government may decide to open these MRP shops,” said an excise department official.
The liquor shop owners’ association had reportedly met the excise minister two days ago and demanded that takeaway sales be allowed. Sources said the association will have another meeting with the excise minister and a favourable decision could be announced.
RISHI KAPOOR SAYS…
Legendary actor Rishi Kapoor had tweeted: “Think. Government should for sometime in the evening open all licensed liquor stores. Don’t get me wrong. Man will be at home only what with all this depression, uncertainty around. Cops,doctors,civilians etc… need some release. Black mein to sell ho hi raha hai.”
And another tweet by him:”State governments desperately need the money from the excise. Frustration should not add up with depression. As it is pee to rahe hain legalize kar do no hypocrisy. My thoughts.”
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