Few hours after liquor shops began operating in Delhi the state government was on Monday forced to shut a few alcohol outlets in certain parts of Dehi. The reason of the apparent closures is said to be violating the coronavirus lockdown rules. Large number of people were seen queuing up outside liquor shops in different parts of Delhi early morning as the AAP government in the national capital announced the opening of standalone shops, including liquor shops.
According to a government official, about 150 liquor shops have been allowed to open in accordance with the latest lockdown relaxations given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). There are around 850 liquor shops in the city including those run by government agencies and private individuals. Long queues were seen outside liquor stores this morning as several states across India decided to re-open the outlets that were closed when a “total lockdown” began on March 25 to check the spread of coronavirus or COVID-19. In Bengaluru, people were seen celebrating the opening of liquor shops in the city by bursting crackers and doing aarti.