On Monday Liquor shops re-opened in Karnataka after more than 40 days consecutively with centre’s fresh guidelines to revive the economy.
As the state continues to generate record revenue due to the sale of alcohol, with the sale of about Rs 200 crore on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, restaurants, pubs and bars in Karnataka have allowed selling liquor at retail price till May 17, according to a government order issued on Friday. However, they can be sold only in takeaway form.
This was in response to the Supreme Court advise to the states to consider “non-direct sale, including online/home delivery” of liquor to ensure minimal crowds and enforcement of social distancing protocols at shops.
Only one customer will be allowed to enter their respective premises at a time and leave soon after purchasing liquor.
This has been done keeping into consideration the desperate need to get rid of old stocks piled up.
Excise Deputy Commissioner J. Giri told IANS, “An order has been passed, converting pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants and lodges in Non-Covid areas into temporary retail outlets to sell all brands of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer till May 17 but not serve. With pubs, clubs, bar and restaurants also selling liquor, long queues at retail shops due to huge demand and social distancing will reduce, as customers will be able to buy their favourite drinks in their nearest pub, club, bar or lodge. We have formed mobile squads to inspect such premises in cities and towns across the state to serve notice on cancellation of their licences if they were found serving liquor to customers, besides retailing. They (pubs, clubs and bars) should also ensure customers stand 1-2 feet apart in queues and wear masks. The customers are not allowed to drink liquor on their premises.
