Bengaluru, known as India’s tech hub, is equally famous for its vibrant nightlife, boasting a wide array of pubs and bars. However, the city’s usual buzz is set to quieten down as a temporary ban on the sale of alcohol takes effect today.
February 14th, until the early morning of February 17th, Bengaluru city has decided to put a temporary halt on liquor sales. This decision comes in light of the upcoming by-election for a vacant seat in the Karnataka Legislative Council, scheduled for this Friday.
Reason Behind the Ban
While some may link the ban to Valentine’s Day, a popular occasion for parties and social gatherings, the actual reason lies in the political arena. The ban has been imposed to coincide with the by-election for the Bangalore Teachers Constituency. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled this by-election for a vacant seat in the Karnataka Legislative Council. The seat became available after the resignation of former MLC Puttanna from both the Legislative Council and the BJP. He later contested the Rajajinagar assembly constituency on a Congress ticket but was defeated by BJP candidate S Suresh Kumar.
The call for a temporary pause on Bengaluru city’s spirited nightlife comes from none other than KA Dayananda, the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban. This decision isn’t made lightly, but with the weight of law and order behind it. You see, Mr. Dayananda is acting under the powers granted to him by Section 135© of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. He’s also taken into account Rule 10(b) of the Karnataka Excise Rules, 1967. So, while we might miss our evening cheer for a few days, we can rest assured knowing that this step is taken with the city’s best interest at heart.
Scope and Timeline of the Ban
The ban applies to all parts of Bengaluru, except for areas under the jurisdiction of the police commissioner. It begins at 5 pm on February 14 and ends at 6 am on February 17. This aligns with the Model Code of Conduct, which is in effect for the election until February 23. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the ECI for political parties and candidates during elections. It’s designed to ensure free and fair elections. The MCC covers general conduct, meetings and processions, polling day conduct, and election manifestos. It comes into effect as soon as the election schedule is announced by the ECI.
Economic Impact on Bengaluru
The four-day ban is expected to hit the Bengaluru city’s pubs and bars hard. This decision is expected to have a significant impact on the city’s pubs and bars, with estimated losses of around ₹500 crore. The ban is particularly detrimental as it falls on a day when these
establishments would typically expect large crowds for dates, parties, and romantic dinners. In response to this, the Bengaluru City District Liquor Traders Association (BCDLTA) has written a letter to the ECI, appealing for a reconsideration of the four dry days in the city. The association anticipates that around 3,700 establishments will be affected by the ban, resulting in state losses of approximately ₹300 crore in terms of excise duty.
Looking Ahead
While the ban might put a damper on Valentine’s Day celebrations for some, it’s a necessary step to ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process. The city’s residents and businesses are optimistic that the impact will be temporary and that normalcy will resume shortly after the elections. Despite the short-term economic impact, the city’s vibrant nightlife is expected to bounce back once the ban is lifted. The resilience of Bengaluru’s nightlife establishments, coupled with Bengaluru city’s love for social gatherings, is likely to ensure a swift recovery post-ban.
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