Karnataka's Excise Department will conduct the first-ever e-auction for vacant liquor licenses across the state, starting with Kalaburagi district on January 13. A total of 15 licenses in Kalaburagi and 569 statewide will be allotted through an online process between January 13-20. Eligible bidders must register on the MSTC portal and pay fees and earnest money deposit. Licenses will be issued for the 2025-26 to 2029-30 period, adhering to reservation norms for SC/ST and general categories. Bidding starts from a base price and increases in multiples of ₹2 lakh.