New Delhi: Karnataka, Maharashtra and Assam states wants to reopen liquor shops after 47 days. The Governments have been allowed to open in all districts from Monday. As per the Central lock down relaxations the liquor shops only outlets outside the containment zones may reopen.

Liquor shops will be allowed to open in red, orange and green zones provided they are not located in malls or shopping complexes. There was some confusion and it has been cleared by the Centre, said H. Nagesh, Excise Minister. This is followed by the guidelines of the Union Health Ministry on this, pubs, bars and restaurants are not allowed to sell liquor even over the counter.

Maharashtra Government decided sale of liquor will be allowed with certain conditions in all zones barring containment areas and shops in markets and malls. The Assam Government allowed reopening of liquor outlets across the state selling IMFL and country spirit with immediate effect. The Excise Department issued a notification stating that the owners of the shops have to comply with the social distancing norms and other guidelines issued by the Home Ministry.