Mangaluru: The members of Dakshina Kannada District Wine Merchants’ Association led by R. Dhanraj have complained to the Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rajendra K. V. that due to ban of liquor sale at places ranging within five kilometres of bordering areas, the merchants have been facing not only losses but observed that sale of liquor, illegally, has seen rampant increase.

Speaking to DC, Louis J. Pinto from the association appraised him of wine merchants’ woes. Due to Covid situation the license holders paid license fees in advance to conduct liquor business legally and now they are the worst affected, he told the DC. He also informed the DC that illegal liquor sale wherein customers have to pay higher prices have been on an increase too causing losses to both legal license holders and customers. He also noted that officials concerned had failed to take appropriate action in this regard.

Further, Louis alleged that some of the lodges sell liquor to their customers and also sell them across borders for huge amount of money, much more than the license holders. This has resulted in huge loss for the wine merchants, who are the legal license holders. He urged not to close the wine or liquor shops during festivals from morning itself as he informed that the merchants voluntarily close the bars or shops at least two hours before time during festivals and there has been no room for any undue incidents so far. We are urging you to look into our woes, he urged the DC.