The Government of Karnataka recently enacted amendments to the Karnataka Excise (Sale of Indian and Foreign Liquors) Rules, 1968, aimed at refining the licensing criteria for establishments in urban areas. These updates, detailed in the Karnataka Gazette (Extraordinary) No. 249 dated June 1, 2024, address licensing requirements for venues in city corporations with populations exceeding 20 lakhs. This notification was published on July 9, 2024.
Previously, the rules mandated certain facilities, like outdoor or indoor games, for new and existing licenses in Form CL-4, provided they occupied a minimum of 10,000 sq. feet of built-up area. The recent amendment now ensures continuity for existing licenses meeting these criteria, allowing them to be renewed without alteration.
Despite the publication inviting feedback, no objections were received, paving the way for these amendments to take effect immediately upon their final publication in the official Gazette. This regulatory adjustment under the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, underscores the state’s commitment to modernizing and clarifying licensing standards within its burgeoning urban centers.
In essence, these changes strive to maintain regulatory consistency while accommodating the evolving needs of licensed establishments in larger cities across Karnataka.
