Shops To Open As India Eases Coronavirus Lockdown Curbs But Liquor Stores, Malls To Stay Shut

In a late night order, the government allowed opening of neighbourhood and standalone shops, including those located in residential complexes, in urban areas. However, the shops in market clusters will continue to remain shut till May 3, when the coronavirus lockdown ends.

In rural areas, all shops, except those in shopping malls, are allowed to open.

Last night, the Home Ministry also said malls continue to remain shut but markets in rural areas can open.

However, opening of shops located in COVID-19 hotspot and containment zones, sale of non-essential items by e-commerce platforms and sale of liquor continue to be prohibited.

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Amending its April 15 order, the Union Home Ministry said "all shops, including neighbourhood shops and standalone shops, shops in residential complexes, within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, registered under the the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State and UT" will be allowed to open during the lockdown.

The ministry also said shops located in registered markets located outside the municipal corporations and municipalities can open after following the drill of social distancing and wearing of masks but with 50 per cent of strength.

However, single and multi-brands shall continue to remain closed in these areas also.

"All shops registered under the the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State/UT, including shops in residential complexes and market complexes, except shops in multi-brand and single brand malls, outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, with 50 per cent strength of workers with wearing of masks and social distancing being mandatory" will be allowed to function.

BCCL

"It is clarified that sale by e-commerce companies will continue to be permitted for essential goods only.

"It is further clarified that sale of liquor and other items continues to be prohibited as specified in the National Directives for COVID-19 management," it said.

However, Joint Secretary (Home Affairs) Punya Salila Srivastava clarified hair salons and barber shops will remain shut. "Hair salons & barber shops render services. Our order is applicable on shops which deal in sale of items. There is no order to open barber shops & hair salons. There is no order to open liquor shops too", Joint Secretary (Home Affairs) Punya Salila Srivastava told news agency ANI.

Hair salons & barber shops render services. Our order is applicable on shops which deal in sale of items. There is no order to open barber shops & hair salons. There is no order to open liquor shops too: Joint Secretary (Home Affairs) Punya Salila Srivastava #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/miqhRlFUPj

¡ª ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2020

Liquor shop licence is given under the Excise Act of the states while those shops which are allowed to open operate under the Shops and Establishments Act of the states.

States yet to decide

Even after the MHA order, certain states are indecisive about opening shops considering the high outbreak of coronavirus cases.

The Gujarat government is yet to decide on the easing of restrictions, depending on the ground situation.

Similarly, Assam Chief Secretary, Kumar Sanjay Krishna on Saturday informed that no decision has been taken by the government pertaining to relaxation of ongoing lockdown such as opening of salons, shops, etc.

A decision in this regard would be taken on April 27, Monday.

Shops in the national capital Delhi will not open yet. The state government will first assess the situation and then take a call.