Indiranagar Residents Protest Illegal On-Premise Drinking at Liquor Stores
Residents of Bengaluru’s Indiranagar are voicing strong objections to liquor stores allegedly serving alcohol on their premises — a practice that is illegal under Karnataka’s excise laws. Locals describe the issue as a growing nuisance, citing disturbances such as public drunkenness, noise, littering, and harassment of pedestrians, particularly women and families.
The concerns stem from reports that several wine stores, particularly in residential and mixed-use zones, are allowing customers to consume alcohol immediately after purchase — effectively turning the shops into unofficial bars. This has led to increased footfall, rowdy behavior, and a degradation of neighborhood safety and sanitation.
Following mounting complaints, the Karnataka Excise Department has vowed to crack down on the illegal practice. Officials say that inspections will be intensified, and any shops found enabling on-site consumption could face license suspension or cancellation under the Karnataka Excise (General Conditions of Licence) Rules.
Residents have also appealed to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the local police for stricter enforcement and surveillance, including installation of CCTV cameras and limits on store timings in residential areas.
The controversy comes at a time when the state government is pushing for higher excise revenue, which some say is encouraging a lax attitude toward regulation. Citizens, however, argue that increased revenue must not come at the cost of public peace and safety.
Read also;