Several states have started home delivery of liquors to avoid long queues and a huge crowd outside liquor shops amid scare of the COVID-19 spread.
This comes after long queues and massive crowds were seen outside the liquor shops defying norms on the social/physical distancing on the first day of the lockdown 3.0, May 4.
The Centre had allowed some relaxations in lockdown 3.0, including the sale of liquor under certain conditions.
States/UTs who have started the home delivery of liquor:
Delhi
The Delhi government has launched a website — http://www.qtoken.in — for people to apply for e-tokens to buy liquor. The website, however, crashed within minutes of being launched officially due to high traffic, officials said.
After applying through the web link and an e-token will be sent to the registered mobile number. The person can then go to the nearby shop, show the e-token and buy liquor.
Chhattisgarh
The Chhattisgarh government has launched a web portal for home delivery of liquor in green zones of the state to avoid crowding at wine shops during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.
A customer can order up to 5,000 ml of liquor at a time for home delivery, the official said, adding that the delivery charge is Rs 120.
Punjab
Punjab also started the sale and home delivery of liquor. Also, the liquor stores would be allowed to open only during the curfew relaxation period, which is from 9 am to 1 pm, officials said.
West Bengal
The West Bengal government on Wednesday allowed home delivery of liquor and the State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) launched a website through which people over 21 years of age can place orders.
https://excise.wb.gov.in/eRetail/Page/eRetail_Login.aspx
Meanwhile, according to reporters, App-based food delivery company Zomato is said to be considering branching out into door-delivery of alcohol. There is currently no legal provision for home deliveries of alcohol in India.
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