As the liquor shops reopened in the city for taking online orders for home delivery of alcohol on Monday morning, booze lovers made beelines at the counters, following which total chaos prevailed.
Such scenes were witnessed in Bapuji Nagar, Station Bazaar, Chandrasekharpur and other areas. Due to the large crowds, social distancing norms were openly flouted as the customers fell over each other to make purchases even as the Government is charging a 50-per cent extra on the price as Covid fee on liquor.
Though counter sales were prohibited, people carried away cartons of liquor in two-wheelers and four wheelers. At some places, police had to use mild force to disperse the crowds and close the counters. Most of the people insisted on counter purchases instead of home delivery.
However, following discussions between the shop owners, police and excise officials later in the day, it was agreed that only online orders would be taken on Whatsup and phone till 1 pm and the deliveries would be made after that till 6 pm.