MLC Flags Harassment of Event Organisers by Excise Officials

Mangaluru: Event organisers and wedding planners across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru are reportedly facing harassment from excise department officials, prompting MLC Manjunath Bhandary to seek intervention. In a letter to Excise Minister RB Thimapur, the MLC urged action against such alleged misconduct.

Bhandary highlighted that organisers follow legal protocols, including obtaining Occasional Licences and necessary permissions from the excise department for serving alcohol at weddings and events. However, concerns have been raised by community leaders about officials charging higher-than-prescribed fees for these permissions.

Even after acquiring licences, officials allegedly visit events in uniform, question organisers, and create disturbances, causing unwarranted embarrassment. There are also accusations of officials portraying these lawful gatherings as illegal activities, leading to public humiliation of the organisers.

The MLC emphasized the need for immediate measures to curb such practices and ensure organisers conducting events within the legal framework are treated with respect.

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