In lockdown 3.0, the Centre has allowed liquor and tobacco shops to resume operations in all districts but with certain restrictions.
While extending the nationwide lockdown for another two weeks on Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs allowed the sale of liquor, pan, tobacco, and gutkha, in green and orange zones. In red zones, only standalone (single) liquor shops will be allowed to open.
Though the liquors are allowed to open, the Centre in its guidelines said that a minimum of six-feet of physical distancing must be maintained and there should not be more than five people at one time at a shop.
The new rules will be applicable from May 4. The consumption of liquor, pan, gutka, tobacco etc. in a public place is not allowed.
Even though the MHA has issued national guidelines, states can issue their own separate guidelines. And if they do not want to open liquor stores, they can ignore the national guidelines in this matter.