Coronavirus pandemic | Assam allows opening of liquor shops with immediate effect amid lockdown

The government of Assam on May 2 allowed the wholesale vends of foreign liquor and country spirit across the state to operate with immediate effect.

Also, all Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) “Off” and country spirit “off” shops located in districts under Green Zone are allowed to open with immediate effects, stated the order signed by SK Medi, Additional Commissioner of Excise, Assam.

"Off" here refers to wine shops that only sell liquor, "on" shops refer to shops that sell liquor and the consumption is allowed on the shop premises - such as bars and restaurants.

Besides these relaxations amid the coronavirus-enforced lockdown, transportation of liquor consignments is also allowed as per the provisions of Assam Excise Rules, 2016, stated in the order.

However, it added that all concerned licensee shall apply social distancing norms and other guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India with regards to the lockdown on May 1.

The central government on May 1 extended the lockdown for another two weeks from May 4. It had imposed a 21-day nationwide lockdown on March 25 and extended it further till May 3 to contain the spread of deadly coronavirus.

The Assam government had earlier allowed the sale of liquor from April 12 but had to stop it after three days following a directive from the Centre.

Medhi had ordered all liquor outlets, wholesale warehouses, bottling plants, distilleries and breweries across Assam to open for seven hours every day but had to issue another order on April 15 asking the deputy commissioners to close the establishments till further orders.

He had stated that the revised order was issued by the state government "in view of the consolidated revised guidelines and national directives issued by the Centre for COVID-19 management".

(With inputs from PTI)