Bengal liquor shop licensees against home delivery; shut shop in protest

A day after West Bengal government allowed home delivery of liquor and launched a website for purpose, licensees downed ir shutters in most areas of state on Thursday in protest, saying it is t possible for m to take alcoholic drinks to doorstep of customers.

Only 10 per cent of liquor shops of state were open during day in designated green, orange and red zones, except in containment areas, West Bengal Foreign Liquor OFF, ON, CS Shops and Hotel Owners Association said.

"Sales have plummeted drastically because of this. In first three days, liquor worth Rs 130 crore were sold, while today it was negligible," said Sushmita Mukherjee, assistant secretary of association.

Mukherjee said licensees will continue to keep ir shops closed till government comes out with a clear picture as it is t possible for m to deliver liquor at home.

For ensuring social distancing and minimizing footfall at retail outlets, West Bengal State Bevers Corporation on Wednesday launched eRetail for online booking and home delivery of liquor.

Before West Bengal, states such as Chhattisgarh and Punjab allowed home delivery of alcoholic drinks.

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