Mumbai: Customers stand in queue outside liquor shops from 6am, authorities yet to allow sale

New Delhi : Relaxations are to be imposed in some parts of the nation and under this liquor shops are to be opened after weeks. People in Mumbai made queues from 6 am outside the liquor shops hoping to get it as soon as the shops open.

Soon after learning about it, the cops rushed to the spot and dispersed the crowd advising them to come during the allowed time.

But since the state government is yet to give a green signal, the liquor shops were not opened till noon.

The Excise Department said the delay was due to technical issues.

“We will issue the orders today itself to allow opening of wine shops in some time. We have resumed work after three days and have shortage of manpower. Hence it is taking time,” Excise Commissioner Kantilal Umap said.

Wine shop owners in Mumbai said they will start operations only after getting the order from the district collector.

The Maharashtra government on Sunday allowed the functioning of standalone liquor shops even in Covid-19 affected Mumbai and Pune - both in red zones. Shops selling liquor as well as non-essential goods will have to ensure six-feet distance between two people and not allow more than five people at a time.