Wine shop owners in Meghalaya have urged the state government to allow the reopening of liquor outlets in Shillong after the withdrawal of the home delivery of liquor scheme. The East Khasi Hills Wine Dealers and Welfare Association submitted a representation to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, stating that the closure of wine shops since March 25 had created significant public demand for liquor supplies. In the letter, Association President OB Tariang and General Secretary Ernest Mawrie said shop owners were facing increasing pressure from customers seeking their regular quota of alcohol. The association also argued that, for many people in Meghalaya, the moderate consumption of alcohol has traditionally been part of everyday life. It requested the government to permit wine shops to operate on allocated days, similar to other essential commodity outlets, while assuring strict compliance with social distancing norms, public hygiene measures, and other safety protocols.
The appeal came a day after the Meghalaya government rescinded its order allowing home delivery of liquor. The earlier decision, issued on March 30, had permitted liquor delivery on health grounds and only against a medical prescription issued by a registered practitioner. State excise officials had described it as a temporary measure intended to meet the “essential health needs” of genuine customers during the 21-day nationwide lockdown. However, the order was later withdrawn following objections raised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other medical bodies. The matter was also examined by a Meghalaya High Court bench comprising Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Shaji P. Chaly, which was hearing separate petitions filed by Congress MP TN Pratapan, the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association, and the Indian Medical Association. The latest request from wine dealers highlights the continuing debate in Meghalaya over liquor sales, public demand, and regulatory measures during emergency restrictions.
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