Odisha Allows Home Delivery Of Liquor; Collectors To Take Decision

Bhubaneswar: The Excise Department on Thursday allowed district Collectors to take a decision on home delivery of liquor by IMFL shops as well as food aggregators during the lockdown period.

Principal Secretary, Excise, SK Lohani in a letter to the Excise Commissioner, stated that “After careful consideration and in exercise of the powers conferred by Section-93 of the Odisha Excise Act-2008, Government have been pleased to delegate the decision of introducing home delivery of liquor by IMFL ‘OFF’ / ‘ON’/ C.L / O.S shops as well as by food aggregators during the lockdown period to Collectors who will take appropriate decision in this regard in their respective districts after taking into consideration the prevailing situation.”

Earlier, the department had sought permission of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) for home delivery of liquor during lockdown. Lockdown is effective in Odisha till May 19.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Plans Home Delivery Of Liquor During Lockdown

The department has apprehended that consumers may resort to illegal and informal channels to avail the liquor, if the same are not available during lockdown period. It may be harmful to their health and safety.