Punjab Government on Tuesday allowed opening of bars in hotels, shopping malls, and multiplexes outside the containment zones.
“The Punjab Government has decided to allow opening of bars in hotels, shopping malls, and multiplexes located in areas outside containment zones in Punjab,” said an official spokesperson, adding that the managements of such commercial establishments must ensure meticulous compliance of the SOPs (standard operating procedures) issued by the Health Department from time to time.
Earlier, the State Government has allowed the opening of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services and shopping malls etc in areas outside containment zones in Punjab on June 8, 2020, with a stipulation that while liquor could be served in the restaurants and rooms of hotels as per license of Excise Department, but the bars would have to be kept closed as per the previous guidelines.
The orders to open bars have been issued in compliance with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ order, dated September 30, 2020, allowing reopening of more activities in areas outside containment zones.
The letter by the state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home) stated that almost all the economic and commercial activities having since been allowed to recommence in the State, it is proposed that Bars in Hotels, Shopping Malls and multiplexes etc located in areas outside Containment Zones may also be allowed to open.
The state’s Home Affairs and Justice Department has issued guidelines to all the Divisional Commissioners and the Deputy Commissioners, besides all the Zonal IGPs, Commissioners of Police, DIGs and SSPs in the State for re-opening of more activities in areas outside Containment Zones.