Wine shops allowed to open immediately; wholesale vends can operate too

Office of the Commissioner of Excise, Assam has issued an order regarding the sale of liquor in the state. The order states that all IMFL -Off. and country spirit *Off. shops located in districts under Green Zone are allowed to open immediately.

The order reads, “I am directed to inform that as instructed by Government, the wholesale vends of foreign liquor and country spirit across the state are allowed to operate with immediate effect. Further all IMFL -Off. and country spirit *Off. shops located in districts under Green Zone are also allowed to open with immediate effect.”

Since the lockdown has been extended by weeks, delivery of consignment could be an issue. About this, the letter from the office of the commissioner of excise states, “Transportation of liquor consignments are also allowed as per the provisions of Assam Excise Rules, 2016. However, all concerned licensee shall comply with social distancing norms and other guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India vide No 40-3/2020-DM-1(A) dated 1. May, 2020.”

The respective district administrations will be responsible for monitoring if the social distancing norms are followed and whenever it is not, the administration is entitled to take strict actions including the cancellation of license.