Mumbaikars can finally breathe a sigh of relief as liquor shops have been allowed to reopen from today, beelines for which have already begun in many parts of the city! With the extension of the lockdown and soaring temperatures, this comes as a major good news to most! Because what better than a bottle of chilled beer to beat the heat and calm those nerves, right?
Liquor Shops Finally Open In Mumbai
A day after holding firm on its stand to not relax restrictions in Mumbai and Pune, the Maharashtra Government has finally allowed standalone and neighbourhood shops for non-essential items (read liquor) to reopen across the state.
This concession though applicable in the red zone areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune district and the Malegaon township is not available to those living in containment zones.
While only standalone liquor shops have been allowed to open in the city, liquor shops inside malls, market complexes, hotels and even restaurants will continue to remain closed, as per a Home Ministry official.
Strict Guidelines Have Been Issued For Operating Liquor Shops
To ensure that people do not excited and forget the rules of social distancing, Municipal corporations and district authorities have been asked to issue strict guidelines and regulate timings for the operation of these shops.
According to these guidelines, retail wine shops will close at 6 pm and wholesalers will have to shut shop at 5 pm. The shops are also expected to function at 50% labour capacity, with thermal screening of all staff. Sanitization of the premises has to be carried out every two hours. The shops will also have to also ensure that social distancing is maintained and not more than five people are allowed at a time.
As per the Times Of India, the Maharashtra Government earns an estimated revenue of ₹1,200 crore per month from the sale of liquor, majority of which is contributed by cities like Mumbai and Pune.
But whatever the case, it finally seems like this third phase of lockdown will pass rather smoothly for Mumbaikars, doesn’t it? Cheers to that!
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