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MANGALORE: The fishermen (Mogaveera) community here is turning a new leaf.

Of the 24 Mogaveera villages in Dakshina Kannada, five have banned use of liquor during Seemantha (baby showers), engagement, shradda (death rituals), mehendi or functions which are attended by the village Gurikar (village head). Violation of this rule invites a fine of Rs 25,000. Failure to pay the fine may result in ostracization of the person/ family from village functions.

In Dakshina Kannada, fishermen villages are situated at Sasihitlu, Lachil, Mukka (Mitrapartna), Doddakoppala, Guddekoppala, Hosabettu, Kuloor, Panambur, Tannir Bavi, Kodikkal, Baikampady, Boloor, Bokkapatna, Kudroli 1, Kudroli 2, Kudroli 3, Niswali, Bengre, Hoige Bazaar, Bolar, Jeppu, Ullal, Manjeshwar, Nileshwara. Of these Baikampady, Kuloor, Hosabettu, Mukka and Sasihitlu have banned use of liquor.

Baikampady Mogaveera Sangha president Satish Baikampady told STOI that serving liquor during functions has led to many altercations and murder too in one instance. The demand for restriction came from women who were fed up with altercations when men stay up late in the night to drink.

The decision was taken thinking it would reduce financial burden of the poor, Umesh Karkera, former president of Hosabettu Mogavera Sangha.

"Recently, a person was fined and he has sought a month’s time to pay. In special cases depending on the economic status of the person/ family the fine may see a reduction if the village elders agree,’’ Satish said. The process of paying the fine is also cumbersome. The violator has to call a meeting of 500 men and an equal number of women folk, then present his case and pay the fine.

"Women have been the happiest of the lot. Another positive spin off is that wasteful expenditure on liquor is reduced and the amount is being used for better purpose during functions,’’ said Satish.