Odisha Allows Reopening Of Bars With Covid-19 Norms

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday issued a notification allowing bars, bear parlours and clubs to resume services in strict adherence to Covid-19 norms.

“The Government after careful consideration in exercise of powers conferred under section-93 of the Odisha Excise Act-2008 allows consumption of liquor in the Restaurant 'ON' / Hotel 'ON' / Beer Parlour 'ON' and Club 'ON' outside the containment zone with immediate effect," the notification issued by the Excise Department read.

These establishments will have to maintain the opening hour as prescribed in the licence, the notification stated.

The liquor serving shops have been asked to follow the guidelines and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) fixed by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in view of the Covid-19.

Local police and Excise officials have been asked to remain alert while Collectors have been empowered to close the shops in case of violation of Covid-19 guidelines, said the notification.

The liquor establishments, which were closed since March due to Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown, will open for the first time after a gap of nine months.

Earlier, the government had allowed selling of liquor at counters only and barred consumption of alcohol in bars, parlours and restaurants.

(Edited By Dillip Pradhan)