Odisha Govt Plans Home Delivery Of Liquor During Lockdown

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is planning home delivery of liquor by authorised food aggregators in the state.

In a letter to Special Relief Commissioner on Tuesday, principal secretary, Excise department has stated that as per the guidelines during the lockdown imposed by the state government from May 5 to contain rising cases of COVID-19, all non-essential activities including shops including liquor shops will remain closed.

It is possible that in case genuine liquor is not made available, the consumers may resort to illegal and informal channels to get it which will be harmful to their health and safety. Earlier also, considering the huge demand for liquor, the government had permitted home delivery of liquor by the food service providers/technology platforms as well as by the liquor licensees.

Besides, in order to maintain the supply chain, the Beverage Corporation godowns need to remain operational with COVID related protocols.

Considering these factors, department has mooted the following proposals to be approved during the lockdown period:

1. Home delivery of liquor (IMFL/beer) by duly authorised food  aggregators/technology platforms/delivery service providers as well
as by IMFL OFF/ON shop licensees.

2. Delivery (CIUOS) by CL/OS licensees.

3. operation of the godowns of Beverage Corporation for wholesale
trade between 6 AM and 2 PM.
4. Free movement of vehicles belonging to authorised agencies carrying genuine duty paid liquor.