Karnataka Govt Allows Restaurants, Bars, Pubs To Sell Liquor Amid Lockdown - But Only For Takeaways

According to a new order by the Karnataka government, restaurants, pubs, and bars can sell liquor at retail prices in takeaway form starting from May 9th till May 17.

Sale of liquor was allowed by the central government in the ongoing third phase of the lockdown. (File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: The Karnataka government has allowed restaurants, pubs, and bars to sell liquor at retail prices in takeaway form starting from May 9th till May 17. The new order stated that ‘Karnataka government has allowed restaurants, pubs, and bars to sell liquor at retail prices from tomorrow till May 17. However, they can be sold only in takeaway form.’ Sale of liquor was allowed by the central government in the ongoing third phase of the lockdown or Lockdown 3.0. Earlier this week liquor stores opened in many states including Karnataka to generate much-needed revenue for the states. According to a report by IANS, while sales in stores is soaring, the 40-day lockdown has caused unsold stock in bars and pubs to pile up. The report said that the new order allowed only one customer to enter at a time and leave soon after purchasing liquor at the maximum retail price (MRP). Excise Deputy Commissioner J. Giri told the news agency, “An order has been passed, converting pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants and lodges in non-Covid areas into temporary retail outlets to sell all brands of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer till May 17 but not serve.” He also said that “With pubs, clubs, bars, and restaurants also selling liquor, long queues at retail shops due to huge demand and social distancing will reduce, as customers will be able to buy their favourite drinks in their nearest pub, club, bar or lodge.” Giri added that the establishments will have to ensure that all safety protocols are being followed by customers such as wearing masks and social distancing, "We have formed mobile squads to inspect such premises in cities and towns across the state to serve notice on cancellation of their licenses if they were found serving liquor to customers, besides retailing," The report also said that the order will also allow pubs, bars, clubs, and hotels to get rid of beer stocks, which have an only six-month shelf life. Pubs, clubs, bars, and restaurants will however not be allowed to procure fresh stocks from the Karnataka State Beverage Corporation Ltd (KSBCL) during the retail sale period. ANI reported that the new order has been welcomed by bar owners who have been severely impacted by the lockdown and the closure of pubs and restaurants. A bar owner in Bengaluru told the news agency that,“ We welcome this move, from last 2 months our shop was closed due to coronavirus & we were suffering losses.”