Bhubaneswar: The Wine Shop Owners’ Association, Odisha has urged the state government not to open the liquor shops and appealed to extend the re-opening of the shops by 15 days.
The association’s recommendation came after the Central govt on Friday allowed the opening of wine shops in green and orange zones.
Speaking to reporters, association president Prabhat Das said the closure of the liquor stores has resulted loss of Rs 400 crore in a month in the state. The lockdown has also resulted loss of Rs 600 crore in last one and a half month in Odisha.
“People’s lives are more important than liquor, so we urge the govt to extend the re-opening of the shops by 15 days,” Das added.
He further said the Association will follow the state government’s directives.
The Centre on Friday allowed the sale of liquor, paan, and tobacco across the country, even as it extended the lockdown period for two more weeks beginning from May 4.