Chennai: Following relaxation of lockdown rules by the Centre, the governments of States including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Delhi allowed reopening of liquor shops today, bringing joy to tipplers.
Serpentine queues were seen in front of liquor outlets and in Bengaluru, there were separate lines for men ad women.
The Delhi government’s nod to open state-run liquor shops from Monday saw people lining up in large numbers outside outlets, with police personnel struggling to manage the crowd
A shop had to be be closed in Mayur Vihar in east Delhi as people failed to maintain social distancing. According to an official, about 150 government-run liquor shops have been allowed to open from 9 am to 6.30 pm in accordance?with the latest lockdown relaxations given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
On Monday, liquor shops opened in the national capital after 42 days. The shops were closed due to lockdown restrictions imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus.
In several areas like Burari, Mayur Vihar, Gandhi Vihar, Rohini and Janakpuri, a large number of people had lined up outside outlets. Police personnel were seen trying to manage the crowd outside many outlets where more than five people are not allowed at a given time.
The government has directed four state-run agencies, which are responsible to sell liquor, to deploy adequate marshals at these shops. There are around 850 liquor shops in the city including those run by government agencies and private individuals.
In an order on Sunday night, the excise department also directed officials to identify liquor shops, which are being run by private individuals (L-7 licensee) and fulfil conditions laid down by the MHA.