New Delhi 4 May 2020 . In times of Covid-19, people forget the deadly virus as huge crowd was seen outside wine shop in national capital. The Delhi government has issued an order allowing state-run liquor shops to operate from 9 am to 6.30 pm in the city, and directed deployment of marshals at these outlets to maintain social distancing. According to a government official, about 150 liquor shops have been allowed to open in accordance with the latest lockdown relaxations given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
People stand in a queue outside a wine shop after authorities allowed sale of liquor with certain restrictions, during the ongoing COVID-19 nationwide lockdown, at Chander Nagar in East Delhi.
The government has so far allowed only those liquor shops (L-7 and L-8) to operate which are being run by four state-run agencies responsible for liquor sale in the national capital.
There are around 850 liquor shops in the city including those run by government agencies and private individuals.
Police personnel close a wine shop as it opened before authorised timings, during the ongoing COVID-19 nationwide lockdown, at Mayur Vihar in New Delhi. Authorities permitted opening of liquor shops with certain restrictions.
The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, the Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited and the Delhi Consumer”s Cooperative Wholesale Store have been given the permission to open liquor shops in public places, except malls and market complexes.
According to the order, bonded warehouses have been allowed to resume operation from 7 am to 6.30 pm.
The agencies will have to give an undertaking stating that liquor shops being allowed to open will fulfil all MHA guidelines, according to the excise department.
The department has asked agencies to coordinate with the local administration and police to maintain law and order.
