Covid-19: Assam approves opening of wine shops

India has imposed a nationwide lockdown in the wake of corona virus. Following which drunkards are facing trouble with the closure of the Liquor Shops due to the lockdown. Assam government, however, has made a crucial decision in view of the difficulties of alcohol lovers and finally decided to open wine shops across the state on Monday.

A senior official in Assam’s excise department who want to remain anonymous told ET that Meghalaya has announced its plan to open its liquor shops from 13th April to 17th , so there is a great possibility that people from Assam will hurry from the neighbouring states to grab the wines, which could place the lockdown in peril.

The IMFL(Indian made foreign liquor)off/CS (country spirit) off shops, wholesale warehouse, bottling plants, distilleries and breweries will remain opened in Assam legally from April 13, an order issued by the Excise Department, said. According to the notice, wine shops shall remain open from 10 am to 5 pm on the permitted days subject to compliance of the guidelines.

S.K. Medhi, the additional commissioner of Excise (in-charge), Assam, issued a notice regarding the same and has been sent to all the district commissioners of the state. The licensee of IMFL “OFF”/CS “OFF” shops, wholesale warehouses, bottling plants, distilleries and breweries must be completely responsible for assigning their staff to ensure them maintaining social distancing of 1(one) meter between customers and their own staff. Also should follow cough etiquette as per the directives issued by National Health Mission, Assam with reference to COVID-19 guildelines,” it said.