Bengaluru: A liquor outlet on the premises of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) was recently found operating beyond permitted hours and violating excise norms.According to a complaint filed by head constable Basappa Billur, he was on night patrol duty at the airport on April 7 and was tasked with gathering information on activities at the airport. He found an MRP liquor outlet, ‘Living Liquidz’, in Terminal 2 open and conducting business around 11.45pm. Informing the staff that operating at that time was a violation, he asked them to down shutters immediately. The outlet staff allegedly ignored his instructions and continued operations, in breach of their excise licence conditions.Police said unauthorised sale of liquor at such hours, especially in a high-footfall zone like an airport, could potentially disturb law and order. The shop was allegedly selling liquor to the public and passengers.A senior officer said the domestic liquor outlet is permitted to stay open only till 10pm. Duty-free stores are allowed to function 24×7. The officer also accused the outlet of often operating beyond permissible hours.A case has been registered under the Karnataka Excise Act, and investigation is in progress.
