Coronavirus Lockdown: Indian Govt. Has Relaxed Ban On Liquor Stores & Tobacco Shops

In the third phase of the nationwide lockdown, the Centre has announced that alcohol retail stores and tobacco shops can resume sales from 4 May.

While the states of Maharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka have embraced the announcement, Kerala and Punjab state governments have refused to allow the same.

Only stand-alone liquor stores and paan shops are allowed to operate in all zones.

This relaxation is not applicable in containment zones since alcohol/tobacco is not listed as an essential item.

Maharashtra Government announced on 04 May that stand-alone liquor shops can be reopened in Mumbai and other metropolitan cities starting today, 05 May.

Alcohol retail stores will be open from 10 am to 6 pm only with the sale of sealed bottles permitted.

The government has advised all citizens to follow proper protocols of social distancing outside the liquor stores due to the rising threat of the COVID-19 disease.

The third lockdown extension, also being called Lockdown 3.0, has come with a new set of guidelines including colour-coded containment zones.

The movement of individuals for non-essential activities in all zones, barring containment areas, is allowed but strictly between 7 am and 7 pm.

Red zones are COVID-19 hotspots, orange zones are areas with detected cases and green zones are areas with no cases.

You may read the full report here.

Featured Image Credit: AP News/ Manish Swarup

If you enjoyed reading we suggest you read:

Coronavirus India: Lockdown Extended By MHA Starting 4 May Till 17 May With New Guidelines

Coronavirus Lockdown: Indian Govt. Provides Detailed Guidelines For Lockdown Extension

Coronavirus India Lockdown Extended Till 3rd May: PM Modi’s Speech & Important Updates