Karnataka Bets on Booze to Boost Beach Tourism

Karnataka's government is considering relaxing rules on alcohol consumption on beaches to boost tourism. Inspired by Goa's model, they plan to introduce alcohol shacks and tent accommodations. The initiative faces current restrictions related to alcohol and late-night access, which they aim to amend.

The Karnataka government is taking a leaf out of Goa's tourism playbook, considering relaxed norms for alcohol consumption on its beaches to draw more tourists. The strategy involves setting up shacks selling alcohol and offering tent accommodations along its 320km coastline.

Although beaches like Gokarna's Om and Udupi's Malpe are well-known, they don't match Goa's tourist inflow due to restrictions on alcohol and beach access past 9 pm. At 'Connect 2024', a gathering of tourism industry stakeholders, Rajendra K V, Director of Karnataka's tourism department, stressed the need for evolving with changing times to attract more visitors.

Enhancing safety with better lighting and tent tourism near beaches are also in the plans. Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan emphasized extending the operational hours of beach-side properties, currently restricted to pre-9 pm, to align with Mangalore city's recent extension to 1 am.

(With inputs from agencies.)