New Delhi: Even as COVID-19 related cases continue to surge in the national capital, residents threw caution to the wind and gathered in front of a liquor shop in Burari area.
According to reports, the police were summoned immediately to disperse the crowd and close down the outlet. The excise department had directed four government-run agencies, which are responsible to sell liquor in the city, to identify outlets which fulfil all conditions prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The Delhi government had issued an order allowing state-run liquor shops to operate from 9 am to 6.30 pm in the city, and directed deployment of marshals at these outlets to maintain social distancing.
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However, a large number of people are queeing up to buy liquor whose sale was prohibited ever since the COVID-19 induced lockdown began in March.
According to a government official, about 150 liquor shops have been allowed to open in accordance with the latest lockdown relaxations given by the MHA.
In an order on Sunday night, the excise department also directed officials to identify liquor shops, which are being run by private individuals (L-7 licensee) and fulfil conditions laid down by the MHA. The officials have been asked them to submit a report within three days.
The government has so far allowed only those liquor shops (L-7 and L-8) to operate which are being run by four state-run agencies responsible for liquor sale in the national capital.
(With inputs from agencies)
