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
I am sure this Dargah chief will allow shetering cows in his Dargah to make Hindus happy. let this Muzawar also allow cows to stay in his house as guests which will definately give him lots of ad and will be famous.
Mone... Moodbidri.... What do you say about this statement from The Soofi Dargah worshiper....
If prophet is against beef....good...but why should muslims protect them????????
Dhurga is also against Islam...could you stop cheating????
Who will believe even if Muslims are protecting cows,
The trend is, if Muslim have a cow for Milking purpose, Bajrangis will attack on the pretext of cow slaughter
If Muslim is having a cow for agriculture purpose, Banjrangis will attack on the pretext of cow slaughter
Cow is not the cause, but, they just need a reason to attack Muslims,
If the Cow problem is solved, then they will come up with Bakri reason, then Murgi reason, then Machli reason, Its never ending story till RSS is alive
This program is sponsored to you by...modees sangheez.....what has the mushriq Sarah chief to say about baqarah and adhaa?.....
ohh my god this person doesnt know Prophhet SAW said there is no place for Shirk and it is Haram and this guy in his life he is done full of Shirk, Mr. Zainul you are not a right person to give any commmnts without Hadith Quote, better you Shut your mouth
there is no impotant place for dargha in islam
Hey dargaparasthi
Muslims should not protect darghas,
prophet is against darghas.
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