The private liquor lobby in the city has become so powerful that it is reportedly forcing Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) to shift its only outlet.
Two of the three MSIL outlets sanctioned in the city have not been opened, while the existing one is also facing threat from private liquor lobby.
In 2011, following complaints from various sections that private shops are selling low-quality liquor above the maximum retail price (MRP), the state government had decided to open MSIL outlets in the state.
The government had decided that a minimum of three such outlets would be opened in every taluk and a total of 600 permits were given out, including three in Shimoga.
While the MSIL outlets sell liquor at MRP, private shops and bars usually charge an additional 10-15 per cent.
As a result, if the MSIL outlets gain ground, the private parties would suffer. Unable to cope with the growing competition, the private lobby tried to stop the opening of MSIL outlets in city.
Out of the three outlets planned, only one was opened on the Balraj Urs Road in November, 2011. The remaining two outlets were not allowed space to set up shop.
Potential places to open the outlets were identified at NT Road, Vidyanagar, Millaghatta, Sagar Road, Sharavati Nagar, Shankarmutt Road and other places. But wherever the authorities tried to open the outlets, the private liquor lobby interfered by organising protests, prevailing upon building owners and officials and other methods. In fact, some Excise Department officials supported the private players on the matter, according to a source from the department.
When the authorities tried to legally open an MSIL outlet at Millaghatta, a protest was held saying there were several private liquor shops functioning in the area.
Meanwhile, the existing MSIL outlet on Balraj Urs Road has been earning good revenue when it was opened legally. However, because of protests on the grounds that there is a dargah around 120 metres from the outlet, the shop is on the verge of closure. Recently, the dargah authorities constructed another entrance gate just 93 metres from the outlet.
As per rules, liquor shops should not be set up within a 100-metre radius of schools, colleges, hospitals and prayer halls.
Based on a complaint, the district administration recently directed the authorities to shift the outlet. Sources said this too is the handiwork of the private lobby.
Interestingly, the rule was not applied to various bars and restaurants which were opened close to schools, colleges and places of worship.
One bar is functioning close to Makkala Vidya Samsthe school at Gopi Circle, while another has been set up beside Ashoor Khana (a prayer place) at Amir Ahmed Circle.
On Old Teerthahalli Road, there is yet another bar which is in the vicinity of a primary school, health centre and agriculture office