Explore option of home delivery of liquor: SC to states

Team Udayavani, May 8, 2020, 2:28 PM IST

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday, May 8 asked states to explore the option of delivering liquor to the doorsteps of consumers in order to minimise the crowds at liqour stores and ensure implementation of social distancing norms.

Hearing the petition, on the subject of liquor sales during the coronavirus lockdown, via video-conferencing a three-judge bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and BR Gavai refrained from passing any order but urged states to consider home delivery or indirect sale of liquor to maintain social distancing

App-based food delivery company Zomato is said to have shown interest in offering door-delivery of alcohol.

The centre permitted opening of liquor stores across the country, except for those in containment zones dince May 4 as part of relaxations during the third phase of the lockdown. Serpentine queues were witnessed outside outlets in some cities, leading to baton charges by police to enforce social distancing protocols.