In view of long queues and last-minute rush to avail liquor on Tuesday before imposition of a 14-day lockdown across the State, the Government is considering supply of liquor to consumers at their doorsteps.
The Excise Department has written to the Special Relief Commissioner seeking permission for home delivery of liquor. “Based on past experience, it is to point out that in case genuine liquor is not made available to the consumers during lockdown period, they may resort to illegal and informal channels which will be harmful to their health and safety,” Excise Principal Secretary SK Lohani has written. Considering the huge demand for liquor, the Government had permitted home delivery of liquor by food aggregators/delivery service providers/technology platforms as well as by liquor licensees themselves last year.
In order to maintain the supply chain, all the State Beverage Corporation godowns also need to remain operational with all the Covid-related protocols. In addition, vehicles belonging to authorised agencies carrying genuine duty-paid liquor should be allowed free movement during the lockdown period. Following is proposed to be permitted during lockdown: Home delivery of liquor (IMFL/beer) by duly authorised food aggregators/technology platforms/delivery service providers as well as by IMFL Off/ON shop licensees following the extant guidelines of Excise Department dated May 23, 2020.
Home delivery of liquor (CL/OS) by CL/OS licensees following the extant guidelines of Excise Department dates June 29, 2020.Operation of all the godowns of Beverage Corporation for wholesale trade between 6 am and 2 pm. Free movement of vehicles belonging to authorised agencies carrying genuine duty paid liquor.