In Kerala & Punjab, Alcohol Makes It To List Of Essential Commodities Amid COVID-19 Lockdown
Several states and union territories across the country have imposed a strict curfew on peoples movement in a bid to stop the spread of the virus. Shops except for those selling essential items have been closed. Liquor shops in Kerala and Punjab continue to function in spite of the lockdown in their respective states.
Amid coronavirus scare, several states and union territories across the country have imposed a strict curfew on people's movement, in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.
Shops, except for those selling essential items, have been closed. However, according to a Times of India report, liquor shops in Kerala and Punjab continue to function in spite of the lockdown, in their respective states.
The Kerala government has decided to shut all bars and liquor stores across the state as the number of cases increased over the last few days.
The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, however, clarified that while state-run Kerala State Beverages (Manufacturing and Marketing) Corporation Limited (Bevco) liquor outlets will remain open, "Customers cannot sit and drink. The counter sale will be allowed later if needed."
As per the TOI report, Kerala CM cited a tweet by Punjab CM, Capt. Amarinder Singh, during a press meet, to justify the state government¡¯s decision to include liquor as an essential commodity.
¡°I have with me a message from the Punjab CM. I will read it for you¡All essential services will continue (there). He explains what these essential services and commodities are, groceries, liquor...the list goes on,¡± he said.
Facebook/Picture for representation
A spokesperson for the Punjab government confirmed that liquor shops would be allowed to operate during the lockdown till March 31, but denied that the Chief Minister had mentioned it any tweet.
However, Kerala government¡¯s decision to allow continuing the sale of alcohol through Bevco outlets has received widespread criticism from Congress and citizens of the state, despite the advisories issued against public gathering in the view of the rising number of COVID-19 cases across the country.
In a desperate bid to contain the spread of the virus, Kerala had announced the closure schools, private offices and malls, and cancelled public gatherings along with urging people to push their wedding dates or limit the number of guests.
As per the directive by the Punjab CM, the supply of beverages are declared "essential items,¡± along with groceries, in view of the urgency due to COVID-19 pandemic. Vijayan said, "the peculiar situation in the state demands such a measure."
Punjab government confirmed that liquor shops will be allowed to operate during the lockdown period till March 31. On the other hand, liquor shops across other states will remain closed on account of the lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
