Liquor Shops To Open In Karnataka From Today In Non-Containment Zones

by Sanjana Shenoy
Liquor Shops To Open In Karnataka From Today In Non-Containment Zones

Vodka. Beer. Breezer. Wine. What’s your poison? Well, you can now not only drink your favourite liquor but buy it too. Karnataka is all set to open its liquor shops from May 4 in non-containment zones. The Excise Minister, H Nagesh states that liquor shops will be permitted to open in red, green and orange zones, as long as they are not located inside malls and other crowded places. The minister added that earlier there was some confusion on this but now it has been cleared by the Centre. In red-zone districts, liquor shops located outside containment zones will be reopened. Liquor sale in 26 containment zones in Bangalore has been prohibited. When it comes to other places rules that have been prescribed needs to be strictly followed.

What’s In It?

M. Lokesh, the State Excise Commissioner ordered that only CL-2 (retail shops) and CL-11C (state-run retail shops like Mysore Sales International Limited) will open from May 4, Monday. Depots of the Karnataka State Beverages Corporation Ltd will also be open. However, malls and supermarkets cannot commence sale of liquor. The order stated that liquor sale will be only permitted in areas that are situated outside the COVID-19 containment zones. Shops will be allowed to sell liquor between 9 am to 7 pm. Only 5 customers at a time will be permitted. Social distancing, not less than 6 feet will have to be maintained between people. Apart from this, customers and staff will have to wear masks. Liquor shops have to compulsorily provide sanitizers to everyone.

Picture Credits: freepressjournal.in

Barricades have been erected, boxes and circles have been drawn up in front of liquor shops in different parts of Karnataka on Sunday, a day before the reopening after a gap of over 40 days due to the coronavirus lockdown. These barricades have been erected to make sure people stand in line. Boxes or circles are drawn in front of liquor stores to ensure social distancing is maintained, as reported by The News Minute. As per reports, shopkeepers were doing special poojas outside liquor stores in Kolar. Some of liquor shop employees were also illuminating their outlets with lights from outside in other parts of the state.

Picture Credits: deccanherald.com

Also Read: Virtual Wine Tasting Is The Latest Lockdown Trend

What’s More?

Officials in Karnataka were engaged in checking stocks ahead of the opening of liquor shops on Monday morning. A manager of a shop said that they were making all preparations to make sure that government rules were strictly followed. They also sought the cooperation of the people and the police. Another shopkeeper stated there might be an initial rush after which things will get back to normal, and run smoothly. Liquor stores will be open on May 4, Monday in red, orange and green zones. But liquor stores in 26 containment zones in Bangalore will remain closed. The liquor stores which will open in non-containment zones need to follow the prescribed rules of social distancing and hygiene. In case of violation, strict action will be taken including imposing a penalty. Did you know Singles In Bangalore Are Taking Bizarre Online Relationship Courses Amid Lockdown?

Picture Credits: vijaykarnataka.com

According to the State Excise Minister, H Nagesh losses of ₹60 crores per day has been witnessed due to the closure of liquor shops during the lockdown. So there was a pressure on the government t commence economic activities, including the sale of liquor, to boost Karnataka’s finances, as excise is the key revenue-generating area. Only retail sale of liquor is permitted in the state as the Centre has banned the consumption of liquor in public places. So for all you liquor fans in Bangalore, you can now get your bottle of liquor from 9 am to 7 pm. Wear your masks, maintain social distancing and follow the rules set by the government, so you can indulge in the comfort of your home.