During the COVID-19 lockdown in India, most shops and establishments have been shut – except those selling essential items. Liquor shops were shuttered for over a month. However, at the end of the second phase of the lockdown; some liquor shops were permitted to reopen. 4th May 2020 saw serpentine queues outside alcohol stores and of course a flood of memes of social media:
The announcement that stores selling alcohol would be opening in some areas, was welcomed by many.
Areas identified as red zones will continue to have liquor shops shuttered for the time being.
The beverage of choice will continue to be influenced by the area one lives in.
Every dog has his day, feels the red zone guy; apna time ayega!
Those whose shops had been compulsorily shuttered for weeks were also delighted.
There is a romantic song playing and a girl paying obeisance as though outside a place of worship --- which turns out to be a wine shop.
This musical celebration of the store opening seems rather excessive, if the band-baja is indeed for the reason claimed.
Most of us have received videos of long, long, long lines of people outside liquor stores --- some while socially distancing themselves and wearing masks.
In some places, people are maintaining physical distancing even in queues. In other places, this has clearly gone for a toss.
Propping up the country’s tanking economy is one reason given for the reopening of stores selling liquor.
Alcohol is one of the few commodities that states (not centre) are permitted to tax. It is expected that cash-strapped state exchequers will benefit as a result of these stores resuming trade.
For states like Gujarat, which have complete prohibition, this makes no difference.
There is a liquor bill dated 4 May 2020, worth Rs. 52,000 odd circulating on WhatsApp.
These bills are being widely shared. People seem to be stocking up for the future.
The sales figures being quoted do not seem outside the realm of possibility.
Lots of it – after all people are buying after many weeks. They are bound to spend big.
Perhaps sons of liquor stores owners will be seen as more marriageable by the neighbourhood aunties now?
It is expected that people will buy large quantities. If not, others in the line are not going to be pleased.
…Are happy and relieved and just grateful that #LiquorShops have reopened after such a long time.
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
