liquor ban

Karnataka Drunkards’ Association

liquor addicts

Bangalore

liquor business

Group that claims to have 5,000 members wants govt to understand that liquor is part of the food cultureAscontinues till May 3, a hitherto unknown association ---- has taken shape on social media, demanding the state government to put an end to it. The association is also saying that if the government cannot lift the ban completely, they should at least provide liquor to the public through rationing. The Karnataka drunkards’ Association, which claims to have 5,000 members through various social media groups, says they are not promotingbut wants the government to understand that liquor is part of the food culture.Speaking toMirror, association president Arun Kumar said, “People generally laugh at us when we say we are part of the liquor association. It is not right asis legal in this country. When you have an excise minister, then we also have a right to form a group to put in our demands, which are quite simple. We need people to understand that liquor is part of the food culture and a sudden halt in liquor sales will not only hurt the economy but also the health of many people. So, we request the government to lift the ban on liquor sales, at least partially.”Kumar added that they have already contacted the excise department and have requested to lift the ban. “Ever since the liquor ban has been imposed, there have been numerous thefts in liquor stores. There were also multiple reports that people are going after illicit liquor. This unhealthy trend is not only making the government lose money, but people may lose their lives as well. So, we have suggested the government go for rationing of liquor. For example, if we can fix a quota as to how much one can buy liquor, then we can manage the situation better.”He also cited examples of overpriced liquor being sold. Shivamogga police on Saturday had filed cases against two people for selling liquor during the lockdown phase. During a raid, police said the duo was selling whiskey worth Rs 90 for Rs 1,000. Sources said with a complete prohibition on liquor during lockdown, there is a great demand for it in the black market.Kumar said the association is in vogue for the last four years. He also claimed that the association will promote social distancing among people whenever the liquor shops are opened so that they can ensure that all the safety measures prescribed for the Covid-19 pandemic can be adhered to.