Mundgod: Drunkards of Mundgod have a problem with the ensuing elections. The model code of conduct has meant that their favourite hunting grounds for liquor-- non-vegetarian hotels-- have stopped selling alcohol, which has resulted in people rushing out to fields, farms, forest areas and other ‘hideouts’ to get the high.

The taluk police have strictly warned the non-vegetarian hotels in taluk not to sell liquor for the last many days now. Police officials strict vigilance has meant that hotel owners playing safe by refusing to sell the liquor, though it has meant loss of business.

Hotel owners, requesting anonymity, says majority of people who comes to non-vegetarian hotel prefer to have either bear or wine with it. However, with the ‘drinks not allowed’ board put outside their hotels, most of the customers are not coming to hotel, they say and add that people, especially youths purchase drinks from the wine shops and bars and rushing out of city to have the ‘spirit’.

The present hotspots for the drunkards are the backyard of the APMC, forest area near Kempati, ground behind Rotary, and fields near town. “It has become a huge task for us to find a place to sit and drink alcohol once darkness sets in,” said a resident.

With no place to go, people are converting every isolated place into a bar and restaurant. After drinking most of them are also throwing those bottles where ever they want. The residents of near by places are also complaining of the nonsense the drunkards have been creating.