Dakshina Kannada Witnesses Significant Decline in One-Day Liquor Licences for Events in 2025
The excise department in Dakshina Kannada has recorded a notable decline in the number of one-day CL-5 liquor licences issued for events during the year 2025. This downturn comes after a period of increased issuance in 2024, highlighting fluctuating trends in event-based alcohol permissions across the district.
Comparative Licence Data Reveals Fluctuating Patterns
According to official statistics, the department issued only 697 CL-5 licences in 2025. This represents a sharp drop from the 1,027 licences granted in 2024, which itself was a significant increase from the mere 502 licences issued in 2023. The crackdown initiated by authorities in 2024 initially boosted numbers, but the subsequent year saw a reversal of this trend.
Officials from the excise department attribute the 2025 decline primarily to fewer events being held due to Moudya days—periods in the Hindu calendar when functions are traditionally not conducted. Interestingly, despite a good number of events occurring during the season last year, the licence numbers still dipped, suggesting other contributing factors.
Geographical Distribution and Seasonal Trends
Data analysis reveals that Mangaluru taluk obtained the highest number of CL-5 licences, totalling 617. This was followed by Bantwal with 49 licences and Moodubidire with 13. Sullia taluk recorded only one licence issuance, indicating varied demand across different regions.
An excise department official explained, "The highest number of CL-5 licences is typically issued during April-May and October to January. These months consistently see the highest concentration of events requiring such permissions."
Stringent Enforcement Measures and Market Factors
The official further noted that the crackdown and stringent measures implemented by the excise department began in 2024. These measures specifically targeted the serving of military canteen liquor, Goa-made liquor, duty-free alcohol, and events conducted without proper CL-5 licences.
Bindushree P, Deputy Commissioner of the excise department in Dakshina Kannada, stated that the department is actively examining the reasons behind the sharp decline in licence issuance. She highlighted that overall liquor sales in the district have been sluggish, adding that officials have intensified checks and successfully curbed the inflow of liquor from other states, particularly Goa, into Dakshina Kannada.
Economic Considerations and Alternative Venues
Event organisers and families have pointed to rising alcohol prices as a deterrent, prompting some to avoid serving liquor at functions altogether. One family, who recently skipped serving alcohol at a roce ceremony, explained their decision: "The licence costs Rs 11,500, of which Rs 10,000 is the licence fee and the remaining amount goes towards cess and the purchase of alcohol. This financial burden was a major factor in our choice."
A local liquor shop owner offered another perspective, noting that this season, many weddings and other events have taken place in hotels that already possess liquor licences. Consequently, hosts at these venues do not need to obtain separate CL-5 licences, potentially contributing to the overall decline in direct licence applications.
The excise department continues to monitor these trends closely as they assess the broader implications for district revenue and regulatory compliance in the evolving event landscape of Dakshina Kannada.
