K’taka HC dismisses appeal to allow online sale of liquor

Bengaluru: The High Court here dismissed an appeal to allow the sale of liquor online.

Chennai based HIP Bar Private Limited had filed an appeal against the Court’s earlier single-bench order banning the online sale of liquor.

A division bench of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and V Sreesananda dismissed the appeal.

The division bench upheld the decision by the earlier single-bench order stating that liquor sales cannot be allowed online unless permitted by the Karnataka Excise Act, 1966.

“Online liquor is not allowed under the Excise Act and licenses are required for the sale of beverages stated in the Act,” the bench stated.

The earlier single bench of the High Court had ruled on September 18, 2019 reasoning that it would be difficult to monitor the age of the online liquor.

In its appeal, the appellant (HIP Bar) has stated that there is no need to seek permission to sell liquor online. It is illegal to withdraw an issued permit without giving a showcase notice. The State government’s interference in this is a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution.