Wine Shop Owners Seek Permission to Reopen Liquor Stores in Meghalaya

Shillong:
Wine shop owners in Meghalaya have urged the state government to allow liquor stores to reopen after the sudden closure during the lockdown created high demand among customers.

The East Khasi Hills Wine Dealers and Welfare Association wrote a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on April 3 requesting permission to reopen wine shops in Shillong. The association said the closure of liquor stores since March 25 has led to strong public demand for alcohol.

In the letter, association president O.B. Tariang and general secretary Ernest Mawrie said shop owners have been receiving many calls from people asking for alcohol. They said the dealers are facing heavy public pressure as customers are trying to obtain their usual supply of liquor.

The association also stated that moderate alcohol consumption is a common part of life for many people in Meghalaya. It requested the government to allow wine shops to open on specific days, similar to other essential services.

The shop owners assured the government that they would strictly follow social distancing guidelines and maintain proper hygiene if permission to reopen is granted.

Earlier, on April 2, the Meghalaya government had withdrawn its decision to allow home delivery of liquor based on a doctor’s prescription. The order was cancelled after concerns were raised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

The state had initially approved home delivery of liquor on March 30 as a temporary measure during the 21-day nationwide lockdown, saying it was meant to address the health needs of people who might suffer alcohol withdrawal.

Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court also stayed a similar order by the Kerala government that allowed home delivery of liquor to people experiencing withdrawal symptoms during the lockdown. The court described the decision as “disturbing” and warned it could create serious problems.