Government for liquor ban in State: Minister Thimmapur

Mysuru: Maintaining that the Government was in favour of banning liquor in the State, Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur has said that however, a decision cannot be taken in this regard instantly. Speaking to press persons after holding a meeting with Excise Officers from Mysuru division districts at the Government Guest House in Nazarbad here on Saturday, Thimmapur said that a decision on liquor ban will be taken only after conducting a through study is States such as Gujarat, Kerala and Bihar, where liquor ban is in place. He further said that a final decision will be taken only after conducting widespread public awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes on banning liquor. Continuing, the Minister said that the Mysuru division comprising of five districts, stands second in Excise revenue generation in the State. The Department has set a target of Rs. 18,050 crore Excise revenue collection by the end of March next year, he added. Explaining measures taken by the Department for curbing illicit liquor and arrack, the Minister claimed that selling of illicit liquor, hooch and arrack has completely come to an end in the five districts of Mysuru division.