Lockdown: Maharashtra permits home delivery of liquor

Shiv Kumar
Tribune News Service
Mumbai, May 12

Home delivery of liquor will begin in Maharashtra from Thursday, according to state government sources here.

Under the rules put out by the excise department, orders for liquor can be placed either over the telephone or online. Liquor stores have been allowed to supply Indian Made Foreign Liquor, beer and wine to those holding permits, according to the order issued on Tuesday.

According to the excise department’s new rules, delivery personnel have to wear masks and use hand sanitizers at frequent intervals. Liquor stores have also been asked to implement an e-token system under which consumers can be allotted a time slot to collect alcohol from the stores.

”It is mandatory for delivery boys to possess medical certificates and identity cards,” an official from the excise department said.

Meanwhile, liquor store owners in Mumbai have sought a clarification from the BMC as to whether they would be allowed to open their shops.

“It is not clear if we are allowed to open our shops or whether we are allowed only home delivery of liquor with our shops closed,” an email sent by the Association of Liquor Vendors to the excise department said.

Owners of restaurants and bars in Mumbai too have sought permission to sell their stock as bottles beer held by them are nearing their date of expiry.