Karnataka polls: Election commission cracks down on liquor movement, sale

BANGALORE: The election commission (EC) has directed all distilleries, breweries, and wineries in the state to set up close circuit TV cameras on their premises to monitor their operations and prevent unauthorized sale of liquor which violates the poll code of conduct.
The state on an average sells over 42.5 lakh cases (each case of 9 litres) of Indian Made Foreign Liquor in a month through its sole distributor, the Karnataka State Beverages Corporation.Liquor industry sources say the EC's directive on liquor sales, stocking and movement have pulled down IMFL liquor sales by 15 lakh cases in April alone.
Anil Kumar Jha, chief electoral officer in Karnataka, told STOI, "All liquor establishments including distilleries, breweries, wineries and liquor warehouses and liquor retailers are under our strict monitoring via CCTVs cameras. These measures are very effective. Authorities seized unauthorized movement of liquor worth Rs 3.6 crore in less than 10 days.''
"These measures have impacted sale of spirits, beer and wine,'' said Suresh Hinduja, CEO, Gourmetindia.com India's social network on food and beverage. Many F&B outlets in the city with a higher ratio of spirit sales are considering to temporarily suspending sale of liquor for a few days on account of elections. Some wine shops are under police scrutiny to prevent people from buying liquor in bulk, said Hinduja.
Thrivikram Nikam, executive director, brands, Amrut Distilleries said, "EC has been monitoring the situation very strictly. Distilleries are not allowed to work beyond 5.30pm to stop excess production. EC has asked all distilleries, including us, to set up CCTVs. Substantial reduction in sales volumes have been reported in Bangalore and other parts of the state as bulk buying is restricted.''
Sannabathappa, executive director (operations), Karnataka State Beverages Corporation said, "When we notice any abnormal buying, we report it to the excise department and other authorities. Retailers can justify their demand on occasions like festivals or marriages around their outlets.''