Liquor or alcohol sale in Maharashtra has been a topic of interest over the last many weeks, ever since the lockdown began. On May 4, 2020, the Government of Maharashtra allowed selected liquor shops to open in Mumbai, but soon, officials decided to shut liquor shops after realising that people in many parts of the city were flouting social distancing norms. However, update as of May 22, 2020, states that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has given permission for home delivery of liquor in Mumbai.
The statement was issued by Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and stated that the permission only allows liquor shops to deliver within non-containment zones. It read, "Excluding the containment zones, the liquor shops selling liquor in sealed bottles can be permitted cooperate by selling liquor to the customers by effecting delivery of the permitted liquor to the home address of the customer if such an order is placed."
#BMC permits home delivery of liquor in #Mumbai, but this will be allowed only in non-containment zones.
— Jigar Ganatra (@JigarGanatra_) May 22, 2020
.#LiquorShops pic.twitter.com/9lmdFBTLhZ
The BMC has also issued guidelines and conditions basis which this permission has been given to liquor shops. Authorities have asked them to be followed strictly during the lockdown.
Shops won't be allowed to sell liquor over the counter and one can order only online. E-commerce platforms can be used to place orders. The statement read that officials were convinced about the decision after on-ground assessment and stated that 'it is necessary to modify the orders in consonance with the Government notifications.'
State Excise officers and Ward Officers have been asked to keep a check on this and ensure compliance of the orders. Further, if any liquor shop fails to follow these guidelines, officials may take strict action against the defaulters under sec 188 of IPC.
The directives given were brought in effect from May 22, 2020.
Also Read: Home delivery of liquor allowed in Panvel
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