Assam: Massive Crowds Throng Liquor Shops after Business Resumes amid Lockdown

Guwahati, April 13, 2020:

After the liquor shops across Assam were opened to the general public for the first time since the imposition of the 21-day lockdown, people from the state crowded to these shops like moths drawn to a flame. Massive crowds were reported from several parts of the state.

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Perhaps stocking up for the Bihu celebrations, which are certain to be a but muted this time in view of the COVID-19 outbreak, hundreds upon hundreds were seen lining up outside the liquor stores in the State with scant regard for safety and security. The procurement of liquor, it seemed, was of paramount importance.

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In Guwahati, Inside Northeast saw a huge rush outside liquor stores as people from all walks of life gathered and waited for a long time to collect the liquor of their choice. However, in several of the shops, it was observed that people were extra careful to maintain distance from one another.

"I am glad, have been queing up for 5 minutes. Have also bought chicken that is being sold at Rs 150 per kilo", said a man who had queued up in front of a liquor store in Jayanagar locality.

In the recent times, it has been witnessed that "social distancing" that has been termed as a "social vaccine" by members of the ruling regime, has not been properly followed in Assam. Today, a similar scene was seen unfolding in Jorhat which also saw massive crowds lining up outside liquor stores.

Bidyadhar Kalita, our Jorhat correspondent informed that social distancing has also not been observed despite the Government's repeated warnings. "There were queues outside the shops, however, bedlam ensued at the cash counter as people seemed to be in an extreme hurry to grab their bottles of liquor.

A man in Jorhat who was queuing up in front of a wine shop in Jorhat said to Inside Northeast, "Its a good news for people who drink that the rules have been relaxed a little. The public has burst out of their homesteads for liquor, that is plain to see."

Assam has approved the opening of licensed IMFL (Indian-made foreign liquor) shops, wholesale warehouses, bottling plants, distilleries and breweries with effect from April 13. The IMFL “OFF/CS “OFF” shops will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM. The shops have been directed to work with bare minimum staff (50 percent) and provide hand sanitizers to customers and staff while handling the bottles and cash.

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“The Licensee of IMFL “OFF/ CS “OFF” shops, wholesale warehouses, bottling plants, distilleries and breweries shall be personally responsible for deploying their staff to ensure maintaining social distancing of at least 1 meter between customers, staff, cough etiquette and to strictly follow all directives issued by National Health Mission, Assam with reference to COVID-19 situation,” stated the notification.

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