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.
The development comes following the allegations of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) violations.
Comments
Looking at the arguments by Naik supporters it is not difficult to understand why he has billion followers..This world has more FOOLS than the intellectuals. All the bad things attracts more people.. this is the general law. These are the same people dreaming of going to heaven to enjoy 72 virgins while creating hell in the real word. The whole world laughs at their logics...Hahaha.
I think Arnab by now saw his videos in full context ... He and the indian media is silent...
I dont know how many of them are misguided by this cheddi reporter and make enemy the TRUTH.
I feel pity to cheddi member who doesnt use their intellect and watch the videos in full context so they could be spared from ignorantly harming others without knowledge which will be judged infront of the CREATOR who created U me and all the exists including the enemies of TRUTH.
Next, home minister will send inspection notice to RSS ???
If Dr. Zakir Naik is on right path, nothing will happen to him, his noble work and his organisation, in sha Allah. May Allah keep him on right path and teach good lesson to the enemies of right things.
Dr. Zakir Naik has got Billions of followers....he teaches how to get to right path towards peace....
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