The Maharashtra government on Tuesday allowed home delivery of liquor during the COVID-19 lockdown period to facilitate physical distancing.
However, the home delivery will not be applicable in Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur, where the civic bodies have not allowed liquor shops to open their establishments, according to reports.
An order issued by Valsa Nair Singh, principal secretary (excise), said licensed liquor shops are allowed to deliver to those who have permits for drinking.
“The licensee shall sell the IMFL spirits, beer, mild liquor and wines only in respect of the liquor for which he is licensed to sell,” the order added.
The guidelines also stated that the sale and delivery of the liquor would be allowed only in the jurisdiction of the licensed premises at the specified day and timings, provided the permit holder has placed an order for the same.
The shops would have to ensure that the liquor delivery personnel use face masks and sanitizers regularly, the order said.
However, the government added that the doorstep delivery would only be valid during the lockdown period and would be subject to modifications or cancellations in the future.
Notably, last week, the Supreme Court left it for states to consider online sales and home delivery of liquor.