As per the new guidelines for the third phase of India's lockdown, which commenced on Monday, the sale of alcohol is now allowed in red, orange and green zones, barring the containment areas. The relaxation has come with certain conditions as the order is applicable to stand-alone shops and compels buyers to abide by strict social distancing measures.
The new relaxation has come as a respite for several people after the shutdown, which has lasted over 41 days. Several videos emerging on social media show long queues outside the liquor stores since dawn in various parts of the country.
लॉकडाउन खुलने पर शराब की दुकान के बाहर लगी कतार। हापुड़ में शराब की दुकान के बाहर लोग सुबह ही लाइन लगाकर खड़े हो गए। पुलिस के नई सिरदर्दी। pic.twitter.com/Q0HOStWOmL
— Ravish Ranjan Shukla (@ravishranjanshu) May 4, 2020
People line up outside a liquor shop in Laxmi Nagar after Delhi govt allowed sale of liquor in standalone shops, neighbourhood (colony)shops or shops in residential complexes. pic.twitter.com/ADyPE8ZUYQ
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2020
Another video showed a man conducting prayers in front of a booze shop to mark the auspicious beginning.
“From the fool and the drunkard you may learn the truth.”
— Aashish (@Ashi_IndiaToday) May 3, 2020
Hearing Govt to open #wineshops from Monday, an overjoyed man offered prayers outside a closed liquor shop located at #Karnataka -#AndhraPradesh border area. #LOCKDOWN2020 #lockdownhustle #lockdownrelaxation pic.twitter.com/VN1Jnz0IFa
Outside a liquor shop in Delhi. Reports @mukeshmukeshs pic.twitter.com/hWWGnHFs54
— Sanket संकेत (@sanket) May 4, 2020
Haven't seen such long queues for essential supplies or medical stores. People desperately wait for #alcohol shops to open in #malviyanagar after 41 days.
— Shweta Sharma (@Ss22Shweta) May 4, 2020
#LiquorShops #alcohol #Lockdownextention pic.twitter.com/fKCkE67JUL
As per the guidelines, the liquor and tobacco standalone shops will remain open in all three zones till 7 pm. According to reports, about 150 liquor shops are likely to open in Delhi alone from Monday.
The shut down of liquor shops was hurting the economy as it provides a large tax revenue for their depleting coffers. It also proved fatal for certain people as some committed suicide due to alcohol withdrawal symptoms, others died due to binge drinking in various places.
