Karnataka Reopens Bars & Pubs From Today; 6 Feet Distance, Face Masks Compulsory| Check New SOPs

As per the SOPs, patrons should maintain 6 ft distance, wear face mask and sanitize hands at the entrance. The places should ensure sanitisation of tables every time customers leave

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Karnataka Unlock: As the country has ushered into the next phase of its staggered unlock, the Karnataka government has allowed bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants in the state to serve liquor from Tuesday with 50 percent of their seating capacity. However, the bars and pubs have been instructed to strictly follow the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Covid-19. In the month of March, government had imposed a temporary ban on serving liquor  in the wake o initial outbreak of Coronavirus and the nationwide lockdown, and until now only takeaways were allowed at these establishments. The state in May allowed the sale of liquor through MRP outlets. It later gave permission for bars, microbreweries, pubs, and others to clear out their stocks, but in-house service was not allowed. The order by the Excise Commissioner said such relaxations were already in place in states like Assam, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. It also cites the government's revenue as one of the reasons for the decision. Officials have said they have taken necessary precautionary measures and marshals have been deployed to check violation of norms and protocols to contain COVID-19 spread. What are the SOPs for pubs & bars? Patrons should maintain 6 ft distance, wear face mask and sanitize hands at the entrance. The places should ensure sanitisation of tables every time customers leave Room temperature should be set on AC in the range of 24-30 degrees Celsius. Contactless mode of placing orders and digital mode of payment should be encouraged. Employees and waiters should wear masks and gloves. Gaming zones and children play areas must be closed in clubs. What are the new unlock guidelines  The new order issued by the Karnataka government has said that Bengaluru Metro will resume operations from September 7 in a graded manner. SOP for Metro will be issued soon. Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions across Karnataka will continue to remain closed with no regular class activity up to September 30. Students from classes 9 to 12 will be permitted to visit their schools (outside containment zones), for taking guidance from their teachers, on a voluntary basis. Cinema halls, pools, theatres will remain closed. However, open-air theatres will be permitted to open with effect from September 21 At the same time, wedding functions will be permitted only with guests not exceeding 50 people. Gatherings for funerals should not exceed 20 people till September 20. Lockdown shall remain in force in containment zones till September 30.