The Kerala government has not taken any decision on re-opening of bars and state-run beverages outlets or resume online sale of liquor that were shut owing to the Covid-19 lockdown, state Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan said on Saturday.
The Union Home Ministry had on Friday issued detailed guidelines, specifying activities allowed in the three zones - Red, Orange and Green - apart from what is permitted and not allowed country-wide.
The Home Ministry had said sale of liquor, paan and tobacco to be allowed after ensuring minimum of six feet in social distancing; not over five people at one time at the shop.
Ramakrishnan told reporters that the state government has given instructions to clean and disinfect the state-run beverage outlets before re-opening and make arrangements so that those coming there should be able to maintain social distancing and other health precautions.
“However, we have not taken any decision regarding the re-opening of the beverages outlets after May 4. There is no urgency in taking a decision now. We will evaluate the Centre’s guidelines and decide accordingly,” he said.
“In case we need to implement strict restrictions somewhere, we will do that,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}“In case we need to implement strict restrictions somewhere, we will do that,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}Following the lockdown protocol, the Left government had closed all the liquor shops since March 24.