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New Delhi: A day after the Center lifted some restrictions amid the national blockade of the COVID-19 coronavirus, several states have decided to open liquor stores in hopes of increasing state revenues. The Interior Ministry, in its order, has allowed the sale of non-essential items but with passengers. The alcohol stores that are within the Orange and Green zones will be able to function as long as they maintain the rules of social distancing and no more than six people.
However, the Maharashtra government has made the decision that stores selling non-essential products, including liquor, will be able to operate from Monday (May 4, 2020) in all non-containment areas as a strict imposition of the rules of social distancing.
Also, the store must not be located near a residential neighborhood and must be an independent alcohol store.
Meanwhile, the government led by Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh announced that independent liquor and beer stores under the Orange and Green zones will be able to operate as of Monday, when India enters the third phase of the national closure.
Stores that sell alcohol may open from 10 a.m. at 7 p.m. and they must strictly follow the strict rules of social distancing. Store openings will not be permitted in red zone districts and closing rules will remain in effect in these areas.
Special Tax Commissioner Sanjay Bhoosreddy said: “Circles will be held at the specified distance on the roads outside the stores and only five customers at a time will be able to shop.”
In Madhya Pradesh, collectors from the respective districts will make the decision to open liquor stores. In a circular, the state special tax department stated that the liquor and bhaang stores are only open from 7 am to 7 pm. A decision must be made about opening these stores in accordance with guidelines issued by the Center for green, orange and red zones, said an official with the state’s public relations department.
In Rajasthan, the state government has allowed the sale of liquor, but the sale of ‘paan’, ‘gutka’ and tobacco products will continue to be prohibited. Stores that sell liquor must guarantee social distancing, the state government said in its statement.
Meanwhile, in Haryana, the state government is considering imposing a “COVID cease” on liquor to support institutions that have been adversely affected by the pandemic, Deputy Prime Minister Dushyant Chautala was quoted as saying by PTI. It has also sought reports from deputy commissioners on whether liquor sales should be opened as the coronavirus situation is different from district to district.
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