Bengaluru police modify liquor ban order during Karnataka polls, food sale allowed in hotels, taverns

In light of the upcoming Karnataka state assembly elections, the Bengaluru police on Tuesday made changes to its order that had previously banned the sale of liquor in the city from May 8 to May 10. The new order restricts the sale of liquor in restaurants but allows the sale of food.

Bengaluru police commissioner Prathap Reddy issued the modified order on Tuesday. Earlier on May 2, the city police issued an order banning the sale of liquor through various outlets, including liquor shops, wine shops, bars, hotels, taverns, or any other public or private place. The sale of liquor is also prohibited on May 13 during the counting of votes.

The modified order clarifies that only the sale, service, and consumption of liquor in hotels are prohibited, while other food items can still be sold. “Sale, service, and consumption of liquor are prohibited but other eatables supply may be continued without liquor…” the fresh order by the police stated.