Liquor stores to stay open on Nov 20 after wine merchants’ federation calls off statewide strike

BENGALURU: After meeting with chief minister Siddaramaiah, Federation of Wine The Merchants Association of Karnataka has called off the statewide strike, which was scheduled for November 20.

Govindraj Hegde, secretary of the federation, confirmed that the strike has been called off. Liquor traders had planned to stage protests against the alleged corruption in the excise department and to seek fulfillment of their other demands.

Speaking to the media, Hegde said the CM heard all their problems. “He directed the department officials to submit a report urgently, and he has assured to meet with the association within a week and address their demands”, Hegde said.

In view of this development, the association has called off the scheduled strike on Wednesday.

The highlights of the meeting:

The government will sympathetically consider liquor sellers’ demands and ensure business growth and revenue generation.

The Excise Commissioner has been instructed to prevent harassment of liquor sellers.

The federation has denied filing complaints about corruption in the Excise Department with the governor and stressed on conducting a fair probe into the allegations.

Counseling system to be introduced for transferring officers in Excise Department

CM directed to submit reports on liquor sellers’ issues and warned of stringent action against officers with no second thought, who harass liquor sellers.