From 1 September, pubs, clubs, and restaurants across Karnataka have been allowed to serve liquor. The decision comes after a five-month ban on its sale and a day after the Center announced 4.0 guidelines.

Karnataka Excise Minister H Nagesh said on Monday that all establishments will be allowed to serve liquor, but only 50 percent of their seating capacity can be accommodated. Detailed guidelines will be announced. People will have to maintain social distance and take all precautionary measures for COVID-19.

Nagesh said that the state has incurred a loss of Rs 1,435 crore so far due to restricted sales. Earlier, the government allowed shops to sell only takeaways.

The Excise Minister said, "This is an estimated loss compared to the revenue generated in the same period last year. Had the sale of liquor not been allowed, there would have been a loss of over Rs 3,000 crore. "

In the Karnataka budget announced this year, the state government's excise target for the financial year 2020-21 is Rs 22,700 crore.

The government completely shut down liquor sales in March following the first COVID-19 lockdown and opened partial liquor sales on May 17 and allowed MRP outlets to open for takeaway. Later in June, the government allowed liquor shops across the state to be open from 9 am to 9 pm.