NE NEWS SERVICE
PUDUCHERRY, MAY 25
Liquor sales resumed in Puducherry on Monday two months after it was stopped owing to the lockdown to contain spread of coronavirus.
As liquor shops reopen after two months in Puducherry, a wholesale shop employee performs pooja to recommence the business.
Express video | Pattabi Raman.@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/fQsulYS7gw— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 25, 2020
Tipplers thronged liquor outlets which have been closed since March 25 in Puducherry and Karaikal region.
Long queues were seen outside the shops at least half an hour before the commencement of sales at 10 a.m.
Special barricades were erected outside the shops to regulate the crowd and maintain social distancing.
Directions to the booze-lovers included strict adherence to social distancing.
Markings were made on the road close to the shop to ensure that the people observed physical distancing.
A police official regulating the crowd at one of the shops, said people maintained discipline and adhered to norms including wearing of mask and social distancing.
A Government Order issued after approval from Lt Governor Kiran Bedi announcing reopening of the shops in Puducherry and Karaikal regions stated the shops would function from 10 a.m to 7 p.m.
Earlier, the state government had decided to introduce additional tax to mop up the dwindling revenue through tipplers and it was approved by the Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi.
Few liquor shop owners preferred to open their shops after performing traditional pooja by priests, onlookers said.