Karnataka Announces E Auction Schedule for 579 Liquor Licences Across the State

The Karnataka Excise Department has officially announced the schedule for the electronic auction of 579 liquor retail licences that will be allotted for the five year period from 2026 to 2031. The move follows an earlier notification issued by the department, with the bidding process now set to begin across multiple districts later this month.

According to the department, the licences will be distributed through an online auction system to ensure transparency in the allocation process. Interested applicants have already been allowed to begin registration, while live bidding will take place between July 24 and July 31 on different dates for various districts.

Out of the total 579 licences available, 483 fall under the CL 2A category, while the remaining 96 are under the CL 9A category. Bengaluru Urban accounts for the highest share, with 119 CL 2A licences and 67 CL 9A licences available for auction, making it one of the most closely watched regions in the process.

The government has also continued reservation benefits for eligible communities. The allocation includes 5.25 percent reservation each for Scheduled Caste A and Scheduled Caste B categories, 4.50 percent for Scheduled Caste C and 3 percent for Scheduled Tribe applicants.

The district wise bidding schedule begins on July 24 with Bidar, Haveri, Chikkamagaluru and Kalaburagi. On July 27, auctions will be conducted for Hassan, Raichur, Shivamogga and Yadgir. Belagavi North, Uttara Kannada, Ballari and Bagalkot will follow on July 28.

The auction process will continue on July 29 for Tumakuru, Koppal, Chikkaballapur and Mysuru Rural. On July 30, bidding is scheduled for Davanagere, Vijayanagara, Chitradurga, Mandya, Vijayapura, Chamarajanagar, Dakshina Kannada and Gadag. The final phase on July 31 will cover Kolar, Dharwad, Kodagu, Belagavi South, Bengaluru Rural, Mysuru City, Bengaluru South and Udupi.

The Excise Department has clarified that registration for bidders began earlier this month and applicants must complete the mandatory online registration at least two days before participating in the auction for their preferred location. Detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria and auction procedures have been made available on the department’s official portal and the designated electronic auction platform.

Eligibility for participation extends to individual applicants, sole proprietorships, registered trusts, societies, partnership firms, limited liability partnerships and companies registered under Indian law. This broad eligibility is intended to encourage wider participation in the auction process.

Applicants are required to pay a registration fee of Rs 1000 along with applicable GST through the online system. In addition, each licence application carries a non refundable application fee of Rs 50000. The department has also allowed bidders to apply for multiple licences based on their interest and eligibility.

Officials believe the online auction system will improve transparency and efficiency while ensuring a competitive allocation process. With registrations already underway and district wise bidding dates confirmed, eligible applicants are expected to complete the required formalities before participating in the scheduled auctions.