Liquor being consumed illegally in hotels on Shivamogga–Tirthahalli Road

Excise Department officials of Karnataka conducted surprise checks in hotels in Shivamogga taluk on October 14, 2026. The booked cases for consumption of alcohol against the rules. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement A team of Excise Department officials of Karnataka inspected hotels and dhabas in Shivamogga taluk and registered seven cases for allegedly allowing the illegal consumption of liquor.On October 14, the team checked hotels on either side of the Shivamogga–Tirthahalli Road at Gajanur, Sakrebailu, and Mandagadde. They found hotel owners allowing customers to consume liquor while having food.Deputy Commissioner of Excise K.S. Murali, who led the team, warned hotel-owners of legal action if they violate the law. Cases were booked under Sections 15(A) and 32(3) of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1986, for allowing consumption of liquor in unlicenced public places.Cases were booked against Fish Land, Fish Hotel, Vanashree Hotel, Hotel Sakrebailu, Bhavani Hotel, Chinnu Hotel, and Tunga Hotel.Mr. Murali said hotels and dhabas should not allow the consumption of liquor on their premises. Those who violate the law will face penal action, he said.Officers of the Shivamogga and Sagar sub-divisions were part of the raids. They included Deputy Superintendents of Excise Noushad Ahmed Khan and Sheela Dharajkar. Published - October 15, 2026 04:18 pm IST