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Madikeri: The Karnataka Excise Department’s new directive mandating a temporary permit (CL-5) for serving liquor at weddings and other ceremonies has sparked widespread debate in Kodagu. The district also known as Coorg, known for its distinct culture, has a long-standing tradition of distributing liquor at social gatherings, especially during weddings.
The new requirement has drawn criticism from locals who argue that it imposes an unnecessary financial and procedural burden.
According to a report in Vijaya Karnataka, the excise department's decision comes in the wake of incidents in Mandya, Vijayapura, and other districts where army quota liquor and counterfeit liquor were found to be distributed at weddings and events. To curb illegal alcohol circulation, the department has now made it mandatory to obtain a CL-5 permit for liquor distribution at any function or homestay event. However, many residents and community leaders in Kodagu are voicing concerns over the regulation.
Liquor has been an integral part of Kodava cultural traditions, and its presence at weddings and celebrations is considered customary. Given this, many in the district believe Kodagu should be granted an exemption from the rule. Critics argue that obtaining a permit for every event would be cumbersome and expensive, as applicants are required to pay ₹11,500 per day to secure approval.
Excise Deputy Commissioner Nagesh Kumar clarified that the decision was made to regulate liquor distribution and prevent illegal sales. He noted that the permit application process has been made accessible online to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Applicants can submit event details and venue information digitally, with approvals being granted immediately upon payment.
The excise department has also raised concerns about the misuse of military liquor, which is meant for personal use but is reportedly being supplied at private events. Instances of counterfeit liquor being distributed in the name of military supplies have also been recorded in other districts. To prevent such violations, the government has enforced strict regulations requiring the CL-5 permit for any liquor distribution at public events.
Despite these justifications, many Kodagu residents believe the rule disregards local customs and places an unnecessary financial strain on families hosting weddings and other celebrations.
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Kodavas in coorg have just 1 guiding principle on which they live their entire lives. WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK. If I don't serve cheap Army canteen liquor 3 times at my daughter's wedding, butcher machaiah will not invite me to his son's wedding.
I vehemently oppose this. I recently attended the wedding of my coorgie friend and I have to say, liquor is in their blood. Quite Literally. I met an old man who was not drinking. Surprised, I asked him why he wasn't drinking. He uttered the following words "thadi undegi pora, mande churk irondu"
Why should I get permit in my own land. I'm only serving liquor to the 3000 people that are my close relatives.
Dhadamada Boja
Low level Kodavas have nothing better to do than go to weddings, drink entire bottles, brag about their "capacity"and talk shit about other people. Get a life people.
I agree with Dr. Akash. Kodavas in coorg have lost their senses due to the increase in coffee prices. What kodagu really needs is better political representation, better roads, access to Healthcare and higher education.