For the first time since the inception of the State Excise Department in 1965, the Congress government has initiated the process of auctioning unused retail liquor licences, marking a significant policy shift in excise administration. As many as 569 licences will be auctioned through an e-bidding process, with the government expecting to generate around ₹1,000 crore in revenue.
Belagavi district features prominently in the auction list under the CL-2A category (retail liquor shops), with base prices ranging from ₹70 lakh to ₹1.1 crore, depending on the location and commercial potential.
In Belagavi North division, licences have been notified for Athani (₹80 lakh), Chikodi (₹90 lakh), Gokak (₹90 lakh – three licences), Hukkeri (₹80 lakh – three licences) and Raibag (₹80 lakh).
In Belagavi South division, licences include Bailhongal (₹80 lakh), Khanapur (₹70 lakh), Ramdurg (₹80 lakh) and Saundatti (₹80 lakh). Prime urban belts such as Belagavi Range-1 and Range-3 carry the highest base price of ₹1.1 crore each, with multiple licences notified.
According to the gazette notification, some licences earlier issued to government-owned MSIL under the CL-11C category, which remained unopened, have been withdrawn and brought under the CL-2A auction pool. Additionally, discontinued CL-9A licences (bars and restaurants) have also been included in the auction process.
Bidder registration will begin on December 22, while live e-bidding is scheduled between January 13 and January 20, 2026. Officials believe the transparent e-auction mechanism will ensure better utilisation of licences while significantly boosting state revenues.
The move is being seen as a landmark reform in Karnataka’s excise policy, opening new opportunities for entrepreneurs while unlocking long-pending revenue potential.
CL-2A Retail Liquor Licences – Belagavi District (Base Price Only)
Belagavi North Division
- Athani – ₹80 lakh
- Chikodi – ₹90 lakh
- Gokak – ₹90 lakh (three licences)
- Hukkeri – ₹80 lakh (three licences)
- Raibag – ₹80 lakh
Belagavi South Division
- Bailhongal – ₹80 lakh
- Belagavi Range-1 – ₹1.1 crore (two licences)
- Belagavi Range-3 – ₹1.1 crore (two licences)
- Khanapur – ₹70 lakh
- Ramdurg – ₹80 lakh
- Saundatti – ₹80 lakh