Overstepping the highway-liquor ban, vendors in Dakshina Kannada, vendors sell alcohol along national highways
- In certain towns of Dakshina Kannada, the vendors have tied up with small shops peddle alcohol to known clientele for a larger profit
- The stores are given a 30-40 per cent discount on the price of each bottle
- The quantity of liquor sold is also unrestricted since it is being done illegally
FollowAlthough selling of alcohol has been prohibited for up to 500 meters distance from any state or national highways, vendors have found a way to continue their trade right under the noses of the enforcing authorities.
According to a New Indian Express report, in certain towns of Dakshina Kannada, the vendors have tied up with small shops and small non-vegetarian eateries along the highways to peddle alcohol to known clientele for a larger profit.
The stores are given a 30-40 per cent discount on the price of each bottle, which they then sell for a 60 per cent profit. Most of the customers are daily-wage workers from villages lining the highways, and truckers stopping by. They don't mind paying more as it saves them the trouble of scouting for a regular shop 500 meters beyond the highway.
The quantity of liquor sold is also unrestricted since it is being done illegally.
Ganesh Shetty, president of the Wine Merchants Association of Dakshina Kannada, told the New Indian Express, "Though the intention behind the ban on liquor near national highways may be right, it has paved the way for illegal sale. We met chief minister Siddaramaiah recently and he informed us that the government is yet to receive a copy of the Supreme Court order. However, we still have hope that the state government will help us reopen our businesses soon.”
Dakshina Kannada district excise commissioner Khurshid Begum said her office has not received they did receive complaints on the private sale.
