Home Ministry turns down Punjab govt's request to open liquor shops amid Covid lockdown

Union Home Ministry on Thursday rejected Punjab government's request for opening of liquor shops in state during lockdown, officials said. request came after Home Ministry made it clear in its consolidated revised guidelines that liquor shop will be allowed to open anywhere in country.

READ: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh Seeks Centre's d To Allow Sale Of Liquor In 'phased Manner'

MHA rejects Punjab government's request

re was a request from Punjab government to allow opening of liquor shops in state during lockdown but ministry has turned down it, a senior Home Ministry official said. In its guidelines for lockdown, issued on April 15, ministry said re should be strict ban on sale of liquor, gutka, tobacco during lockdown. Bars were also ordered to be shut.

Two states, Assam and Meghalaya, allowed opening of liquor shops in first phase of lockdown, which was from March 25 to April 14. However, liquor shops in two rastern states were ordered to shut down from April 15.

READ: Delhi Govt Warns Liquor Vends, Clubs, Hotels Against Selling Liquor During Lockdown

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