In a much-awaited relief to alcohol lovers, the sale of liquor in State resumed from Wednesday. The liquor shops remained open from 7 am to 7 pm, however, it is the duty of concerned shopkeeper to ensure that people reaching the shop for buying booze maintain social distancing. The Jharkhand government on Tuesday gave its nod for opening up of liquor shops, but at the same time has increased the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on liquor to 75 per cent across the state. The increase in VAT is applicable to all types of liquor including Indian-made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). The earlier rate of VAT on liquor in the state was 50 per cent.
The district administration had made elaborate arrangements for sale of liquor especially deployment of police personnel at shops so as to maintain law and order situation. The district administration had deployed police personnel at shops, patrolling vehicles and patrolling magistrate at shops.
The job of the district administration officials and cops was to ensure that they shopkeepers and buyers maintain social distancing.
Circles were drawn outside liquor shops so that people maintain social distancing. The cops and patrolling magistrates were also saying people that if people don’t follow social distancing than they will not be allowed to buy liquor.
SDM Lokesh Mishra said, “The district administration had made elaborate arrangements. The district administration had deployed police personnel at shops, patrolling vehicles and patrolling magistrate at shops. Due to district administration steps there were no reports of any untoward incidents. People were following the guidelines.”
Sources said that while on one hand district administration had deployed cops and patrolling magistrates to control law and order situation buyers presence at shops was thin as compared to other cities.
In Maharashtra and Karnataka when liquor shops were opened as part of lockdown relaxations there was huge crowd of people outside liquor shops. On day one of liquor sale after the lockdown was lifted, Karnataka excise department was on a high as the state got a collection of Rs 45 crore collection, much higher than it was expected.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of Jharkhand have seized gutkha, pan masala and other banned tobacco products worth lakhs from shop and godown at Upper Bazaar the commercial hub of Capital. The raid was conducted at Sai Traders. The owner of the shop has been booked under various section of IPC and Food Safety Act.
Also on Wednesday two more patients recovering from disease were discharged. As per district administration figures, out of total 105 Covid 19 patients, 91 have recovered from disease, while two persons have died due to infection.
The Ranchi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rai Mahimapat Ray said, “Due to team work of district administration officials, doctors and para medics, 91 patients have recovered from disease. The recovery rate of patients is much higher than many districts in country.”
