Alcohol sales rise slightly in election season

BENGALURU: With the election heat rising as polling day draws closer, the sale of alcohol has also risen across the state. The Excise Department had earned 6 per cent more revenue from Indian-made liquor in April than in the corresponding period last year.

As per reports, about 37.50 lakh boxes of Indian-made liquor were sold in April so far. This includes 26.88 lakh cases of beer sold after the announcement of the Model Code of Conduct. However, there is not much of difference in beer sales.

As per records, bars are stocked with 37.50 lakh boxes of Indian Made Liquor, supplied by the Karnataka State Beverages Corporation Ltd (KSBCL). The Excise department is keeping a close watch and if bars or liquor stores resort to illegal selling during the election, their licences will be cancelled. Bar owners are also hesitant to keep additional stocks for fear of cases being filed against them and cancellation of their licences.