The State government has decided to allot licenses to liquor bars based on the population. As per a government order, the eligibility for opening a bar in any municipality or municipal corporation would be calculated on the basis of the 2001 census. Bar licenses issued last year would be reviewed as per the new formula.

Accordingly, the criterion would be : one bar for every 30,000 people for towns with a population up to 3 lakhs, one for every 20,000 people for towns with a population between 3 lakh to 7 lakh people, one bar for every 12,000 in towns with population above 7 lakhs. If any particular area is found to have more bars or retails shops than what is specified in the GO, they would be shut down.

The government's decision has attracted criticism from many quarters, including the Congress. 'The governments over dependence on liquor revenue is turning out to be an embarrassment for many people, particularly women MLAs. We are already facing questions from people for the existing number of bars,' a senior Congress leader said.