Karnataka government gives respite to liquor shops and key govt offices

Bengaluru: On Friday, the Karnataka government announced a relaxation of the Covid restrictions in 19 districts including Bengaluru Urban which saw a positivity rate below 5%.

These revised guidelines will be in force will June 21 after which the government will issue other new guidelines depending upon the then Covid situation in the state.

Bars and pubs have been permitted to open only to sell liquor bottles as takeaway, standalone liquor shops have been permitted to open from 6 am to 2 pm. Earlier, they were allowed to function from 6 am to 10 am. Also, optical shops have been allowed to open from 6 am to 2 pm.

According to the revised unlock 1.0 guidelines, regional transport offices (RTOs), tahsildar, taluk and all other offices of the revenue department, housing, cooperation and Nabard have been allowed to operate with the presence of 50% staff.

Also, street vendors, PDS outlets, liquor shops and those selling groceries, milk and meat can stay open from 6 am to 2 pm even during the weekend.

These relations will not be applicable to 11 districts including Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Dakshina Kannada, Belagavi and Shivamogga where the positivity rate is above 5% and the strict measures will be imposed till June 21.

Even though the weekend curfew has been relaxed for some, the non-essential industries will remain shut for the two days.

People dealing with emergency and essential services which require 24×7 presence of personnel can function on all days. People are not permitted to move around places except to collect parcels from restaurants on weekdays. It is not allowed on weekends.

Also, BMTC buses to the airport will function on a skeletal basis to facilitate travellers heading into Bengaluru or flying out.