The Karnataka Excise Department will hold an e-auction of excise licenses across the state starting January 13, 2026. The auction will cover 99 CL-9 licenses and 477 CL-2 licenses. These licenses will be valid until the year 2029-30. Joint Commissioner Fakirappa Chalwadi said the process follows recent government orders. In Bagalkot district, bidding will happen for outlets in Bagalkot, Badami, Bilagi, Hungund, Jamkhandi, and Mudhol. The charter in Badami is reserved for bidders from Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. The government has set the base price between ₹70 lakh and ₹90 lakh for the charters. Bidders can increase their bids by ₹20 lakh increments. Participants must pay an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹1.60 lakh per charter. Registration opened on December 22, 2025. The Bagalkot district auction will take place on January 16, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. An orientation session on the e-auction was held in Bagalkot to help bidders understand the process. Deputy Commissioner of Excise V.N. Thippeswamy, Superintendent of Excise Hanamanthappa Bhajantri, and other officials were present. This auction aims to streamline liquor licensing and ensure transparency in the process across Karnataka.