Mangaluru : To prevent tipplers from Kasaragod district of Kerala visiting bars and wine shops in border areas of Dakshina Kannada, deputy commissioner K V Rajendra has ordered the closure of all liquor outlets and toddy shops located close to the border with the neighbouring state.

The DC said the order has been issued, banning sale of liquor in the district’s border areas, as a precautionary measure, to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Accordingly, 24 Indian made liquor (IML) outlets and five toddy shops functioning in border areas of Mangaluru, Bantwal, Puttur and Sullia taluks of Dakshina Kannada district have been ordered to close till August 15 with immediate effect. These banned outlets include bars, wine shops and toddy shops in Dakshina Kannada, located within 5 km from the Kerala border.

“Covid-19 cases in Dakshina Kannada district are increasing despite taking all the necessary measures. As per the government order, special surveillance is being done to monitor the movement of people from Kerala, where Covid-19 cases have seen a sharp rise. There are possibilities of cases shooting up in Dakshina Kannada, as a large number of tipplers from Kasaragod district depend on liquor shops functioning in border areas,” the DC said.

The DC has directed the deputy commissioner of the excise department in Dakshina Kannada district to enforce the order by closing the liquor outlets. The order has been issued as per the provisions of Disaster Management Act 2005 and Karnataka Excise Act 1965, he said.