Bengaluru Could Go ‘Dry’ This Thursday, Liquor Merchants Call For Shutdown

Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 12:21 IST

While the government has not declared an official dry day, the association has encouraged its members to pause operations to participate in the rally.

If you are planning to visit a bar or a liquor store in Bengaluru this Thursday, March 5, 2026, you may be disappointed. The liquor merchants are planning to shut down hence making it an unofficial dry day in the garden city.

Liquor industry in Karnataka is currently facing a period of significant tension as retail merchants raise serious concerns regarding state excise policies. This friction has culminated in a call for a large-scale protest, which could impact the availability of services in bars and wine shops across the state.

The situation stems from a long-standing debate over licensing rules and the administrative oversight of the liquor trade. The Federation of Wine Merchants’ Association has organized a major protest at Freedom Park starting at 11:00 AM.

While the government has not declared an official dry day, the association has encouraged its members to pause operations to participate in the rally. Consequently, many private bars, restaurants, and retail shops across the city are expected to remain closed for most of the day.

The 579 License Controversy

The current unrest was triggered by a government plan to auction 579 liquor licenses. These include retail shops and bar-cum-restaurants that have been inactive for several years. The state aims to raise nearly 1,000 crore rupees through this e-auction to boost revenue.

However, existing merchants claim these licenses actually belong to owners who were forced to stop operations due to technical hurdles. They argue that auctioning them off to new bidders is unfair and will lead to massive financial losses for current license holders.

Key Demands of the Merchants

The protesting wine merchants have presented a list of demands to the government. Their primary goal is to protect the livelihoods of small business owners in the trade. The main points include:

• Stopping the auction of the 579 licenses immediately.
• Simplifying the process for renewing old licenses.
• Reducing the high annual fees that have burdened small outlets.
• Taking strict action against corruption within the Excise Department.

For now, the impact is expected to be most visible in Bengaluru during the protest hours. If the government and the association do not find common ground, there is a possibility that the protests could lead to more frequent strikes or a longer shutdown later in the month.

“We aren’t just fighting for licenses; we are fighting for the survival of small businesses that have been the backbone of this state’s revenue for decades. You cannot simply auction away someone’s livelihood based on incomplete data." said a member of the Federation of Wine Merchant’s Association, Karnataka to News18 on request of anonymity.

To be safe, it is recommended to check with your local establishments before heading out on Thursday. This conflict continues to highlight the delicate balance between the state’s need for revenue and the business rights of local vendors.

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