Bengaluru: Liquor and optical shops allowed to function till 2 pm from Monday

B S Yediyurappa, CM of Karnataka

Bengaluru: On Friday, the Karnataka government issued revised guidelines for the 20 districts which are inclusive of Bengaluru and permitted standalone liquor stores and optical shops to be open till 2 pm. As per the revised guideline, the chief minister BS Yediyurappa notified the extension of the timing of essential services and groceries till 2 pm.

These relaxations have not been given to the other 11 districts and they continue to follow the strict measures till June 21.The new guidelines highlight that only “stand-alone liquor shops and outlets, takeaway only, allowed from 6 am to 2 pm.”

It also adds that optical shops are also permitted to operate from 6 am to 2 pm.The fresh guidelines for keeping shops and liquor stores open will be followed on all seven days, including during the weekend curfew.

Besides, the government has permitted 50 per cent staff presence in important government departments which include agricultural and allied offices, public works department (PWD), housing, RTOs, cooperation, NABARD and revenue department.

It has also permitted people to gather for training programmes organised by the health sector only.

The government has stated that these revised guidelines will be in effect till June 21, 6 am, after which new guidelines will be issued depending upon the then situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.

Under the revised guidelines which are issued for the 20 districts including Bengaluru, the state government has given respite to the norms for weekend curfews as well by keeping essential services and liquor stores functional till 2 pm and permitting restaurants and hotels to remain open through the day for delivery only.

But, all none essential sector will be shut down for the two days except for those handling the emergency and essential services and require 24×7 presence of personnel.

People will not be permitted to wander around on Saturday and Sunday, with even takeaway from the restaurants barred.