Crackdown on duty-free liquor boosts CL-5 licence issuance in Dakshina Kannada

The crackdown on the sale and serving of defence, Goa, and duty-free liquor in Dakshina Kannada has led to a dramatic rise in the issuance of CL-5 licences, with the number more than doubling from 502 in 2023 to 1,027 in 2024. According to excise department officials, the stricter enforcement of alcohol regulations began in October 2023 after party organisers were caught serving military canteen and Goa-made liquor at a national-level conference in the city. This incident exposed the widespread use of such liquor at private events, resulting in significant revenue loss for the state and violations of Karnataka Excise Rules.

As a result of this crackdown, the excise department has imposed tighter regulations for events involving alcohol, particularly those held at open-air venues. Event organisers are now required to obtain a CL-5 licence, which mandates that liquor be sourced from authorised local wine shops. Additionally, officials have started visiting venues to check whether the liquor served is locally sourced, and organisers must produce purchase receipts when requested.

These stricter measures have led to a notable increase in liquor purchases at local wine shops. Each CL-5 licence costs Rs 11,500, with Rs 10,000 being the licence fee and the remainder covering the cess. Despite the shift to an online licensing process, caterers, liquor vendors, and event organisers have expressed concerns about the continued cumbersome nature of the procedure.

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