SHILLONG April 14: The Meghalaya government has decided to open liquor shops and bonded warehouses from 9 am to 4 pm, but several restrictions have been imposed.
These stores would be opened during the designated time till April 17 and then further decision would be taken. It is one of the first non-essential items that have been opened for business in the State.
The reason behind this opening of business is because the Excise department remains one of the highest revenue earners for the State.
The opening of the liquor stores is therefore in line with the State Government�s intention to open up the economy in a phased manner.
The restrictions that the Government has imposed is that these liquor and bonded warehouses should operate with the �barest minimum� staff strength.
While doing business, people should maintain physical distance of at least a metre while purchasing and only one person per household is allowed to purchase.
It has also been directed that no person shall move from one locality to another to buy alcohol and should be purchased from liquor stores locally available.
Moreover, liquor stores would have to provide hand sanitizers to the customers �without fail.� Each customer would be allowed to purchase three litres of alcohol or wine and four litres of beer.
Provisions of home delivery have also been kept with the liquor stores. Such home delivery facilities must be first registered at the DC�s office.
Only three deliveries can be taken up at a time by the delivery person per trip and person carrying out the delivery must mandatorily wear a mask.
Under the order, 70 liquor stores opened on Monday in the entire East Khasi Hills region. However, liquor stores at Police Bazar and Bara Bazar and at the international border areas remained closed.
Deputy Commissioner M War said that any violation of the provisions of the order would invite strict legal action.
