Delhi bars, pubs to reopen on Sept. 9

Establishments in containment zones to remain shut

New Delhi: Amid several relaxations introduced by the Centre under its Unlock 4 plan to revive the economy in the wake of Covid- 19 pandemic, the Delhi government has approved the reopening of bars, restaurants and pubs from September 9.

Amid several relaxations introduced by the Centre under its Unlock 4 plan to revive the economy in wake of the Covid- 19 pandemic, the Delhi government has approved the reopening of bars, restaurants, and pubs from September 9.

Delhi lieutenant- governor Anil Baijal, on Thursday, gave his assent to the Arvind Kejriwal government’s proposal to allow bars, hotels, restaurants, and clubs to serve liquor on a trial basis till September 30.

The standard operating procedure ( SOP) for operationalisation of bars issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, however, made it clear that bars in containment zones will remain closed.

The government said that only asymptomatic staff and customers will be allowed entry in these establishments.

Apart from this, bars and pubs will only be allowed to operate at 50 per cent seating capacity in order to ensure that social distancing is maintained. Wearing masks will also be mandatory in all such establishments. The use of hand sanitizer will be a must while availing these services. The government said that establishments found violating these guidelines will be sealed immediately.

The Delhi government’s move comes as a part of

Unlock 4 — the fourth phase of reopening of the coronavirus- induced national lockdown — and states like West Bengal, Goa, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have already re- opened bars and pubs after keeping them closed for more than five months.

The Centre had allowed the re- opening of bars under the Unlock 4 guidelines issued recently.

Earlier, the Kejriwal- led government had permitted hotels and clubs in the national capital to serve liquor but had ordered bars to remain shut until further notice.

Citing “revenue implications,” the Delhi government had allowed hotels and restaurants to serve alcohol at the tables and in the rooms.

In an order, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia stated, “Excise department to issue necessary permission for service of liquor in restaurants and clubs by licensees at the table and in the hotel rooms.”

DELHI LIEUTENANT governor Anil Baijal on Thursday gave his assent to the Arvind Kejriwal government's proposal to allow bars, hotels, restaurants and clubs to serve liquor on a trial basis till September 30

◗ GOVERNMENT SAID that only asymptomatic staff and customers will be allowed entry in these establishments