Bengaluru, May 3: Erection of barricades and drawing up of boxes or circles aimed at maintaining social distancing were seen in front of liquor shops in different parts of Karnataka on Sunday, a day ahead of their reopening after a gap of over 40-days, due to the lockdown.
Karnataka Excise Commissioner on Saturday had ordered that only CL-2 (retail shops) and CL-11C (state-run retail shops like Mysore Sales International Limited) would open from May 4.
It had permitted liquor sale liquor between 9 am and 7 pm only in areas that are outside COVID-19 containment zones.
Reports of barricades being erected to ensure that people stand in line and drawing of boxes or circles in front of shops to maintain social distancing in front of retail and MSIL shops have emerged from across the state, including the state capital.
Also reports about shop keepers doing special poojas outside liquor shops in Kolar and some even illuminating their outlets with lights from outside have surfaced from other parts of the state.
Meanwhile, officials were engaged in checking stocks ahead of the shops opening on Monday morning.
"We are making all preparations to ensure that government rules are followed. We also seek the cooperation of the people and police," the manager of a shop said.
Another said there may be a rush initially, after which things may get back to normal.
"We expect things to go on smoothly," he added.
Calling for number of customers to be limited to five at a time while ensuring that they maintain social distancing of not less than six feet distance, the order states that customers and the staff will have to wear masks and sanitizers should be used at the shops.
Only stand alone CL-2 and CL-11C shops are allowed to commence liquor sale and not those at malls and super markets, it said.
Officials in Bengaluru said liquor sale is prohibited in 26 containment zones in the city, while in other places rules that have been prescribed need to be followed.
In case of any violation, strict action would be taken, including imposing of penalty, they said.
There was pressure on the government to kick start economic activities, including allowing sale of liquor, to boost the state's finances as excise is the key area which generates revenue.
State Excise Minister H Nagesh had recently pegged the losses at Rs 60 crore per day because of closure of liquor shops, due to the lockdown.
Comments
This is a false allegation by this BJP Leader. BJP has no issue now a days and nominated certtain people to give illogic, false and anti national statement. Whatever this local bjp leader telling is nothing but lie. He wants to create trouble in karnataka based on guidance received from his party. Police should do investigatin and in case whatever being told by this local bjp leader is wrong he should be arrested under goonda act. At the same time, in case the Moulvi has said anything wrong apprpriated action should be taken on him. He should respect our nation and should not compare it with Pakistan which is quite instable and people are fighting there themselves. We cant compare Pakistan with India. There is a huge difference between India and pakistan in many issues. India is far better than Pakistan.
Hell with your fake desh bhakti.
BJP leaders know that there are many people who will believe what they say and believe in them without VERIFYING and hate others. Guys GOD has given Us intellect . till when will we guys will be Fooled by the haters of humanity to FOOL us to hate eachother. We need to Wake up and use our god given intellect.. No Muslims want to create a pakistan in india.This concept is only with the Hate mongers who play with the minds of those who are not thinking on their own about the society which was living peacefully by both hindus and muslims since long time.
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