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.
Uttara Kannada deputy commissioner SS Nukul on Saturday passed the order prohibiting Jayant Naika, son of Govinda Naika, a resident of Mavalli in Murudeshwar from staying in the district for next three months.
Comments
I think this is the best way police can do. Whoever do mischief and creating problem in their town should throw them to other state for 5 years. Istead of putting them in Jail.
They not allowed visit their family upto 5 years. Then they knows the values of human being.
send him to hell forever. he is a culprt
Kick him out to china or pakistan border
Huballi is not far....send him to Andaman.....or Saturn would be better....
Good Move... The authorities should recognize the trouble makers and give harsh punishment so that the society will be peaceful...
There are many authorities who wear bangles and fear the cheddis. its time to know that cheddis evil power are diminishing day by day and there is no need to worry and live in fear.
The authoriites should do their jobs without fearing the consequences... Do good to the society ... God's help come when our intention is right.
He should have been booted out at least for one year... so that other monkeys will learn .... He may be following the foot steps of his Guru Mutalik and may be demanding 10 laks to start a riot .....
Good Job done by the district police. he should be thrown behind the bars for ever for disturbing peace
Kick them out of Country.Waste Bodies.
Hats off to super star nukul (mr.s.s.nukul), d.c of uttara kannada, for at last showing the guts and courage of
Power of his respected post, to maintain the law & order of the district, by thrwoing out this so called \gandi naali ka
Keeda\" out of the district for the benefit of the peace loving people belonging to all the communities, who are allowed to live & let live harmoniously. Long live india & indians. Jai ho."
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