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The coronavirus pandemic has grappled our country. Prime Minister Modi has declared a nationwide 21-day lockdown to prevent the rapid spread of the deadly virus. A strict curfew has been imposed on people’s movement in several states and union territories. And amidst this coronavirus lockdown, only shops selling essential commodities like groceries, milk and medicines remain open. If you secretly wish liquor shops remain open so you can stock up on your home quarantine companion, then you should know that the wishes of citizens of Kerala and Punjab have been granted. According to a Times Of India report, liquor shops in the states of Kerala and Punjab will remain open in spite of lockdown since alcohol has made it to the list of essential commodities.
What’s In It?
Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala stated that state-run, Kerala State Beverages (Manufacturing and Marketing) Corporation Limited (Bevco) liquor outlets will continue to remain open amidst the coronavirus nationwide lockdown. But customers will not be allowed to sit and drink. The counter sale would be allowed on a later date if needed. Apart from state-run liquor stores all other bars and private liquor stores across the state will be closed due to the growing number of coronavirus cases in the state.
According to the TOI report, the Chief Minister of Kerala referred to a tweet by the Punjab CM, Capt. Amarinder Singh as a justification of the state government’s decision on the inclusion of liquor as an essential commodity. He stated that as per a message from Punjab CM, all essential services and commodities would continue there including groceries, liquor and the list goes on. A spokesperson for the Punjab Government confirmed that liquor stores will be allowed to operate during the lockdown till 31st March. But the spokesperson denied that the Punjab CM mentioned it in any tweet.
Also Read: Punjab Enforces Curfew As People Defy Lockdown Orders Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak
What’s More?
Now even though some citizens of Kerala are happy with the government’s decision to continue the sale of alcohol through Bevco outlets during the lockdown, but Congress leaders and some other citizens of the state have criticized this move. Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases across the state, Kerala announced the closure of private offices, malls and schools. Public gatherings have also been cancelled and people have been urged to remain quarantined in their homes. Did you know Liquor In Goa To Get Costlier From April Due To Rise In Excise Duty?
A directive by the Chief Minister of Punjab declared the supply of beverages as essential items, along with groceries in light of the urgency due to COVID-19 pandemic. When it comes to Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the peculiar situation in Kerala demands such a measure. He further explained that the Punjab government has confirmed that liquor shops will be allowed to remain open during the lockdown period till 31st March. But for the better or the worse, liquor shops across other states will remain closed due to the lockdown to keep the virus at bay.