‘Sale Of Liquor Remains Prohibited, E-Commerce Firms To Deliver Essential Goods Only’: Home Ministry

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday (25 April) has clarified that the sale of liquor will remain prohibited during the nationwide lockdown imposed due to novel coronavirus, reports Hindustan Times.

The clarification by the MHA comes on the backdrop of government’s Friday (24 April) directive allowing opening of shops selling non-essential goods as part of the easing of lockdown restrictions.

The ministry clarified that only standalone shops are allowed to be open as per the directive. It further stated that no relaxation will apply to Covid-19 containment zones.

The statement further read that the e-commerce companies will be allowed to operate the delivery of essential commodities to consumers.

“It is clarified that sale by E-commerce companies will continue to be permitted for essential goods only. It is further clarified that the sale of liquor and other items continues to be prohibited,” the directive read.

It should be noted that in the late-night order on Friday, the MHA stated that shops in markets, market complexes and shopping malls are not allowed to open.

This order was sent to the Chief Secretaries of the states and administrators of the Union Territories and is in continuation of the guidelines for the enforcement of lockdown.