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.
Addressing a protest meet in front of Konaje police station on Sunday Mr Kateel said: “We (Sangh Parivar) are capable of setting Dakshina Kannada district on fire if the police fail to arrest the accused in Karthik Raj murder case.”
Comments
I think kateel had good new year celebration along with mithun rai.... free alcohol was supplied by mithun rai.....what you say guys????? lagta hai daaru kuch bohat hi zyaada hogayi thi raat me....daaru ka nasha utra nahi hoga....isliye agle din subah aake kateel ne apni dil ki baat keh di.....wo kehte hai na daaru ke nashe me aadmi ke muh se sach nikalta hai
Think twice before u speak, is a famous dialogue which clearly suits Nalini Kumari Kateel.. Mike mila tho pagal bhi gaane lagta hey,,
He is not fit for MP.......should be removed.....
Nalin is lying that he was not well. He uttered what bjp and sanghis have planned. Nothing can be hidden for a long time. this is hidden agenda of sanghis to create trouble in karnataka and costal districts in particular. Police should arrest him under goonda act. He should be removed from MP post as he is unfit for this responsible position. Suprement Court should order central Govt to take notice of this dangerous statement from an MP and remove him from this post. In case Nalin is mentally sick, admit him in a mental hospital.
for instance if this was happened from one of our muslim brother, what would be the reaction and action from these sanghis????? even from chaddi police dept......
ha now we came to know that you are bad mental mp of our dk dist. shame on you. you must resign immediately.
New year night \ raathre paad dina onchooru jaasthiathund\" - mallajjappa powad.
Ancha namma modi 15 lakh niklena bank gu paadwe panthijja..... Anchane indula..
Thoo paadare inbe daane lankeda hanumanthena?"
Hahaha...pukkele...
Typical coward sanghi...
The nation wants to know whether you are really not well or the frog inside well?
No need to give clarification just put this man behind bars. Useless MP
Pradeepji, NOT Wenlock, Kankanady Permanently.
Such goondas are fit to be encountered ....
Yes true he is not well... this all unstable people belongs to BJP/RSS, They dont know what they are speaking after all, all are the followers of chaiwala, what we can expect from this RSS goondas...this marle minister even dont know to speak in parliment, he drinks spit twice before he delivers a word
If he is unwell, admit him to Wenlock
This is the fact and sanghis real mentality. Now he may accept his threatening to set fire his own constituency, message is out in public.
Every anti-national will say the same thing when press conference even Thogadia....Shame on you as a MP of our beloved Dakshina Kannada. Did the people elect you to disturb the area & set fire .. Thooo ninna....
Anna kadle baipinanda thoo malpode, E thoo malpu bokk kadle baipundu.....
why didnt police arrest him, he is enticing people to create violence, why no suo motto on him.
such people should be booked under goonda act
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