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
KAR-NATAKA...
:(
Most of the picture shows they are laughing also the police.. Which raises question of understanding!
Der was a statement frm our Dept regarding d stiff action. Is dis called stiff action?
Stiff action wud b a reality if scenario was different, if muslims was protest without permission.
Double standard
why laathi is not working here ??
Enough drama...Dirty politics...
Wah eth maryadeyna janaklu.. and oh my deware what a huge huge dozens of crowds.. oh my deware i cant even count how many they are :D
You foolish guys, Tippu did not destroy temples but in fact he built them and renovated them all....
In fact you destroyed babri masjid a few years back....how bad you guys are....moreover killing innocent muslims at that time and as well during modi's regime in Gujrath...bad people....
Tippu Zindabad!
How they laugh each other like children are playing. this is nothing else they know each other very well because both are chaddis.
In delhi how they drag Najeeb's mother .
well done BJP protest till end.
Kateel is a elected Member of Parliament. He should keep it in mind that all community from his constituency voted for his current position.
Every indian can protest. Then why Mr. Kateel is not participating in Muslim or Christian community protest?? Amazing
discrimination.
Wa/ Wa Master Kateel you Criminal looters thought to do some Loot Pat because of the Great Warriors Name!!!!!! Bap Ray Bap Which Part of the world you are in??? when you Criminal Looters thinking what?? we all understand you are all workless and how long you can leave this type of Life???? what you think being MP??
Never ever see like you Buffoon!!!
\Every Dog has its own day Kateelanna\"
Jai Hoo Siddanna,
Jai Hoo Parmarashwaranna."
let them do jayanthi or kabur whats the problem for u guys. please leave the place and queue up in the bank to exchange the notes.
Most of pics.. laughing each other. Protesters & Police.
conspiracy between Protesters and Police \YOU PRETEND LIKE BEATEN UP AND I PRETEND LIKE BEATING UP\""
Why police released all of this Gundas. Police should have done lati charge and put all of them behind bar under gunda act. Instead of carrying them like babies police could have beaten them with lati. Because of these anti national elements ad terrorists our india is in danger. Please punish them all including our useless MP.
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