Liquor shops are now open in states, things you should keep in mind when you go to buy alcohol:
After extending the lockdown for the third time, Centre has allowed some relief to business in all zones: red, orange, and green. Under the relaxation in lockdown restrictions that comes with effect from 4th May, the government has allowed liquor stores and paan shops to reopen in all three zones.
“Sale of liquor, paan, tobacco to be allowed after ensuring minimum six-feet social distancing; not more than five persons at one time at the shop,” Union Home Ministry said in its guidelines for lockdown extension that will come into effect from May 4.
There are around 150 shops in Delhi that are allowed to open.
However, they will not be allowed to open in containment zones. Alcohol and paan shops in malls or marketing complexes will also remain closed, even if they are outside containment zones.
Is your nearest liquor shop open?
If your nearest liquor store is in a containment area, then it will remain closed. Also, if your local alcohol shop is located in a mall or marketing complex, then again it will not be allowed to open during the lockdown. Only standalone liquor shops have been allowed to operate in red, orange, and green zones.
Timings:
Union Home Ministry has allowed non-essential shops to remain open till 7 pm only. This time slot also applies to liquor stores across the country.
Things to keep in mind while you go out for buying liquor:
- The Ministry has stated that only five persons will be allowed in a shop at one time and social norms have to be followed. Ensure that you follow these guidelines.
- Take your bags as it will ensure that you don’t come in contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Try to make digital payments to reduce human contact and chances of contamination.
- Wear a mask when you go outside and cover your face
- Wash everything after purchasing
News alert:
- As liquor shops open from today, there are about 3-4 km long queues outside the stores in every state.
- Right from 10 am people gathered outside the stores.
- Police are asking people to maintain social distancing norms in queues.
- There have been a few lathi-charge instances as the crowd got unruly in many areas!
