MANGALURU: Karnataka tourism department has decided to discuss with the excise department to permit tourist cruises and floating restaurants operating in the sea and backwaters of the state to serve liquor for guests.
Minister for tourism C P Yogeeshwara said here on Saturday that the department will take necessary initiatives to provide license to serve liquor in tourist cruises. A demand to provide liquor license was raised by stakeholders at an interaction programme organised by the Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists Association here on Saturday.
Tourism cruise and floating restaurant operators pointed out that they have been conducting short tours for tourists and hosting various functions on board and serving food. Though there is a demand from people to serve liquor also on the cruise. However, it is not possible at present since the Excise department has no provision to issue licenses to serve liquor in cruises, operators said and urged the minister to consider having a discussion in this regard with the excise department.
Tourism department secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey said that a discussion will be held with senior officials of the excise department soon.
“Since there is no provision to issue license to serve liquor in cruises and floating restaurants, the excise department may consider it as a special category. Accordingly, separate licenses can be obtained through the excise department based on the seating capacity of the tourist cruises and floating restaurants,” he said.
Tourist cruises and floating restaurants operating in Mangaluru have been hosting events, parties and functions, but they have no permission to serve liquor. Only food can be served on cruises that host birthdays and other parties.
The minister said the Karnataka Tourism Policy for 2020-25 encourages stakeholders to commence houseboat tourism in the state. The government has been extending subsidies to those who are interested in investing in the houseboat tourism, he added.