Liquor shops start shifting from highway zones

In the issue of pubs operating within 500 m range around highways, the centre has refused to de-notify the stretches within the city. The union ministry has claimed that there is no bypass to this stretch to qualify to be de-notified, responding to the state government’s plea to de-notify MG Road and surrounding areas in Central Bengaluru.

Although a few claim that these pubs might consider moving to new places. The experts however maintain that ‘moving’ is not a viable option. Reason is obviously the high costs involved in the process. “It is not possible to move lock, stock and barrel to a new location. A liquor store can do it, but not a restaurant/resto-bar. Perhaps the news is arising from the fact that some are opening new outlets in other parts of the city. The question is also, how do you move? It’s going to cost a couple of crores at least, and that is a lifetime’s earning for most of those who have been hit by this ruling. Many of us have spent crores on our outlets to provide the right ambience to our clientele, so we cannot afford to move. It is do or die for us,” says Riyaaz Amlani, President, National Restaurant Association of India.

“When the shutdown happened at the end of June and beginning of July, we were caught by surprise. We were very positive and upbeat thinking that the state government would resolve the issue. The news that we got from the excise department and other government channels was that it was being worked on and apart from that owners from restobars and liquor shops had a long march to the CM’s house, making him aware of the fact that it is not only about the liquor business that families were being deprived of their livelihood. So, we really hoped it would be worked out. But we were terribly disappointed, with the most recent news. Till now, it was all about the next court hearing and how promising the outcome seemed. Now, personally, I am wondering if outlet owners are caught in the political quagmire between the Centre and the state government. Also, since there is no clarity on the issue, we are now forced to take hard decisions. So far, we have not let any of our staff go because of these changed circumstances, but that may happen in the long run”, says Dilip Nair, whose flagship outlet in Koramangala is 490 metres off the disputed stretch.

Riyaaz agrees and adds, “This is a very deliberate attempt on behalf of the Centre. They have no reason for this stretch to be a highway. This is, in fact, not a notified highway. So, it cannot be denotified. It does not come under the jurisdiction of the National Highway Authority of India, which in its own affidavit has stated that the highway begins only after the Silk Board junction. There has been a bypass that has been created and the law states very clearly that if any highway has been bypassed and does not bear the characteristics of a highway, it is deemed denotified. The Centre asked for a lot of clarification and affidavits from the state saying that it will maintain the highway. Now, they are just going stubbornly and maliciously by refusing to denotify. With the introduction of GST, one of the major sources of income for the state government is liquor (apart from petroleum), and the Centre’s stand in curtailing that.” But will this affect the upcoming HC ruling? “We are very optimistic that justice will be done. We are not going to let it go. We are confident of as positive outcome,” says Riyaaz.

The home grown beer brand and music streaming app have collaborated to create an exclusive hip-hop playlist featuring artists like Jay Z, Lil Yachty, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye, Slick Rick, Mad Skillz, Artifacts, Craig Mack, J 5, J Hus, Action Bronson, Swet Shop Boys.

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The current favorite playlist is the House Party, which features tracks from A Tribe Called Quest, Rappin' 4-Tay, Open Mike Eagle, G-Eazy, Kendrick Lamar, Redman and more.

Over the next few months, the two brands will bring on guest curators and contributors to create playlists.

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Premium beer maker Bira 91 has said that it is looking to expand global footprint by launching in five new markets including the United Kingdom, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The other markets where the company will start distribution soon are Thailand and the UAE. Bira 91, owned by B9 Beverages, was established in 2015 in India. B9 Beverages founder and CEO Ankur Jain said: "We aspire to drive that global shift in beer towards more flavour and with our plans to enter London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Dubai, we expect to embark on this journey towards creating the first global brand of craft beers." In May this year, the company said it was eyeing sales of Rs 150 crore this fiscal and have presence in 15 cities. The company manufactures four ranges of beers - Bira 91 White, Bira 91 Blonde, Bira 91 Light and Bira 91 Strong.