The state government, on Monday evening, issued an order for reopening bars, wine and beer parlours, and toddy shops across the state in adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines.
Chief Secretary Vishwas Mehta issued the reopening order and it is most likely that bars and toddy shops will begin operations from Tuesday itself. Reportedly, parcel sales in bars will be stopped. Only Bevco and Consumer Fed will be allowed to make parcel sales. The order also mentions a change in working hours of beverage outlets and consumer feds have changed to 10am to 7pm. Earlier, the working hours were 9am to 7pm.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) closed down all liquor due to Covid-19 pandemic. The decision to reopen bars was taken after the MHA announced unlock 3 guidelines. With accordance to unlock 3 guidelines, the state government decided to allow parcel sale of liquor via the virtual queue system. Soon, the various states started permitting to reopen hotels as per MHA guidelines. Based on that, the Excise Commissioner recommended opening liquor shops in the state.