K’taka & Goa open bars, eateries

Bengal u ru/ Pan aji, Sept. 1: The Karnataka and Goa governments allowed bars and restaurants to open for customers on Tuesday.

The Karnataka government has allowed bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants in the state to serve liquor from Tuesday with 50 per cent of their seating capacity.

There were restrictions on serving liquor since March, when the lockdown was enforced first, and until now only takeaways were allowed at these establishments.

They have been instructed to strictly follow the MHA guidelines and standard operating procedures ( SOPs) for Covid- 19.

The order by the excise commissioner said such relaxations were already in place in states like Assam, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

It also cites government’s revenue as one among the reasons for the decision.

The Karnataka government had in May allowed sale of liquor through MRP outlets.

This was followed by permission for bars, microbreweries, pubs and others to clear out their stocks, but in- house service was not allowed.

The Goa excise department issued an order on Monday permitting opening of bars and restaurants, with certain conditions, from September 1.

Selling retail outlets continued to remain closed during the last three unlock phases.

However, the Union ministry of home affairs has allowed these outlets to reopen for business as part of the guidelines for Unlock 4.

As per the MHA guidelines, sale of liquor for consumption on the premises of bars and restaurants and taverns has been removed from the list of restricted activities by the government, the excise commissioner said.