SHOULD BMC CONSIDER ALLOWING HOME DELIVERY OF LIQUOR IN MUMBAI?

Afterthegovernmentissuedrevisedguidelinesforlockdown3.0,standaloneliquorshopsin MumbaiopenedforbusinessonMay4eveninredzones,barringcontainmentareas.Wine shopsacrossthecitywitnessedunprecedentedcrowdsfortwoconsecutivedays,astipplers queuedupoutsideliquorstores,throwingcautiontothewindandignoringsocialdistancing norms.Thepolicehadtostepinanddispersecrowdsatsomeplaces,promptingformerBMC chiefPraveenPardeshitorevoketherelaxationsinMumbaiandshutdownallliquorshops throughalateeveningorderonMay5.Evenassomestateshavealreadybegunhomedelivery ofliquortopreventovercrowdingatshops,theSupremeCourtonFridaysuggestedtheCentre lookathomedeliveryorindirectsaleofliquortopreventcrowding.FPJaskeditsreadersTakingacuefromplansinDelhi,WestBengalandPunjab,shouldtheBMCconsiderallowing homedeliveryofliquoroutsidecontainmentzonesinMumbai?Here’swhatacross-sectionof Mumbaikarshadtosay:

Starting

home delivery of liquor, except in the red zones, will definitely be a good idea, as many people go out of their houses in search of liquor, due to which again there are risks of getting infected with the disease. If home delivery of liquor at their doorstep is started, then I believe many people will be in their homes. Also, there will not be any ruckus created like the sort that was recently seen in the city. — Robinson Methari, media professional

Just

like food delivery is being done outside societies and below building complexes, the BMC can make provisions for delivery of liquor too. There are people who are willing to pay high prices for alcohol. Home delivery will prevent the risk of infection as there will be no need to go out and interact with random people in long queues. The delivery personnel should maintain safety and sanitise themselves thoroughly.

— Jayesh Nikam, sales executive

Ifeel

that the Maharashtra government and the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation took the right decision of closing alcohol shops in the city. Home delivery of liquor should not be allowed, because it is a risk to people. It is the correct move taken in the interest of the nation and its citizens amidst this coronavirus pandemic.

At

the time of such a crisis, the government requires massive funds, and it should explore all the available options. For the sake of generating revenue, government did allow liquor shops to open a few days back. However, that resulted in a mad rush outside every liquor shop, violating all social distancing norms. Home delivery of liquor is the best option, but sanitisation of bottles and proper safety measures should be followed. — Tushar Solanki, production manager — Ali H Dalvi, service

Yes

i think BMC should definitely consider this option. If food and grocery apps like Zomato and DMart are active during this pandemic, then I don't see any problem for liquour stores to start home deliveries, provided they take all the necessary precautions and make sure it’s a contactless delivery. — Parinay Kantharia, Parel resident

Ifeel

liquor being delivered at home is a good idea. Other than the public creating a fuss at the shops by gathering together and not following social distancing, managing the crowd was difficult. Keeping the pandemic in mind, the government is trying its best to relieve the stress levels by making the basic necessities available. Also, there is category of people who are addicted to alcohol. Home delivery of liquor might solve their problem. — Nikhil Nambiar, human resources manager

I The

government should allow home delivery of liquor as it will eventually serve two purposes -- first that it will aid the economy by getting in taxes, and second, that it will quench the tipplers' thirst, which would result in them sitting at home and sipping their poison. Since there is no supply of liquor, people often step out in a bid to find even the smallest of bottles in the black market or at a high price. — Hardik Thakkar, investment banker

In

my opinion, home delivery of liquor should be allowed. It will serve two purposes. The government will get revenue and people's demand will be met. The consumers are ready to pay a premium for it, and I believe this is a situation the state and central governments can take advantage of. The premium collected above the regular price of liquor sold can be diverted to the people in distress. Over and above this, the ongoing illegal sale of liquor will be curbed and the money will go into the hands of those who need it the most, rather than the corrupt. — Hemangi Shah, tutor

Looking

at the queues to hoard liquor on two days last week, the municipal corporation should allow home delivery of liquor at least in areas which are not red zones. It will be an easier way to manage the crowd, and will be less stressful for the civic body and wine shop owners. This will also help boost revenue in the state. The lockdown is now adding to the frustration for loads of people. However, I feel there should be a cap on how much liquor a person can buy at a time. — Sarita Singh, banker

I think

Maharashtra should start home delivery of liquor because it will help in controlling the situation outside liquor and wine shops. Moreover, as people will get liquor at their doorsteps, it will eventually prevent crowds on roads. Home delivery of liquor will also reduce chances of people getting infected by coronavirus when they step out in search of liquor. Besides, in this critical situation when all offices are closed, the government can generate revenue through sales of liquor. — Narendra Khe ra liya , sales executive