Mon Jun 23 18:26:07 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article based on the summary:

**Summary:**

The Karnataka state government has reduced a previously announced doubling of liquor license fees by 50% following protests from liquor dealers. They have also extended the license renewal period from one year to five years. While liquor dealers appreciate the reduction and the extended license period, they are still seeking further concessions, including the ability to pay license fees in installments.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Government Halves Liquor License Fee Hike After Industry Protest**

**Bengaluru, June 23, 2025** – In a move responding to widespread outcry from liquor vendors, the Karnataka state government has significantly scaled back a proposed increase in annual liquor license fees. Originally slated to double, the fee hike has now been reduced by 50%.

The government also announced a change to the license renewal process, extending the validity of licenses for liquor vends, distilleries, and breweries from one year to five years. The initial doubling of the fees, the first revision in nine years, had sparked strong opposition from stakeholders.

“Though we asked for a total rollback on the hike in license fee, it has been reduced by 50%. We feel that this is better than 100% hike. We find the extension of licence renewal period to five years convenient. However, we will continue to fight seeking implementation of our other demands,” said B. Govindraj Hegde, general secretary of the Federation of Wine Merchants Association, Karnataka.

While welcoming the reduced hike and the longer license duration, the Federation is continuing to advocate for further concessions, specifically the introduction of an installment payment system for the annual license fees. The association believes this would further ease the financial burden on liquor vend owners.

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