In Mangaluru, the excise department has fined 6,356 liquor stores a total of Rs 10.96 crore over the past three years for selling alcohol above the maximum retail price (MRP). Under the Excise Act, retail liquor shops (CL-2) and MSIL outlets (CL-11C) must sell alcohol at MRP, but other types of licensees do not face this restriction.
In addition to fines, the department also suspended the licenses of 121 shops during 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24. The most violations were found in Tumakuru, Kolar, Vijayapura, Ballari, and Kalaburgi districts. MSIL shops were particularly problematic, with 1,003 violations leading to Rs 1.88 crore in fines and 20 license suspensions.
Excise Minister RB Timmapur shared this information in response to questions from MLC Ivan D’Souza during a recent Assembly session. The data also shows that despite rising prices, liquor sales in the state have increased, with 705.53 lakh boxes sold in 2023-24, up from 660.16 lakh boxes in 2021-22.
The minister noted that imported liquor in the state is 40% more expensive than in neighboring states, leading to lower sales. However, the state government plans to adjust prices to match those of neighboring states to boost sales. He also mentioned that the price of neutral spirit, used in cheaper liquor, is influenced by market conditions and not controlled by the department.
