Alcohol stores to remain shut "at least till April 20"; informs Parimal Suklabaidya

The order issued by the Ministry of Excise, Government of Assam granting permission to IMFL shop, wholesale warehouses, bottling plants, distilleries and breweries to remain open with effect from April 13, 2020, on the permitted days stays canceled.

Minister of Excise, Assam, Parimal Suklabaidya informed that the Excise department had taken the decision before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech and the subsequent guidelines issued by the Ministry Of Home Affairs. “Taking the guidelines into consideration, we have decided to keep IMF shop, wholesale warehouses, bottling plants, distilleries and breweries shut till at least till April 20, 2020,” said Suklabaidya while talking to Barak Bulletin.

He added, “As the honourable Prime Minister mentioned, depending on the situation certain exemptions will be announced. Based on that we will decide the future course of actions.”

It is worth mentioning here that, the Excise department, government of Assam had issued an order on April 12, allowing the alcohol industry to function by abiding the social distancing norms issued by National Health Mission, Assam. The order came into effect from April 13, and on day one itself, a huge gathering was spotted in several wine shops. The administration had to intervene and bring the shutters down mid-day in order to avoid social gatherings.

The wine shops remained open throughout yesterday and today afternoon they were asked to shut shops again.