As soon as the Chandigarh Administration nodded to open liquor shops from Monday onwards, the city witnessed long queues of people flocking outside the outlets. In Chandigarh, the shops have been allowed to open from 10 am to 6 pm on odd-even formula.
On the other hand, Mohali DC Girish Dayalan said that the shops and other commercial establishments in the district will open from 9 am to 1 pm from May 5 onwards on a 50 percent staggered rotation. Earlier, the timings were 7 am to 11 am. He added that the banks shall also do public dealing between 9 am to 1 pm.
However, on day 1 of the third phase of the coronavirus lockdown, there was a huge crowd on roads, in markets. In several areas like Sector 33, Sector 30, Sector 18, Sector 21, and Sector 19, a large number of people had lined up outside the liquor stores.
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Meanwhile, the policemen were seen trying to manage the crowd outside many outlets. In an order on Sunday, the excise department has also directed the officials to identify the liquor shops, which are being run by the private individuals (L-7 licensee) and fulfill the conditions laid down by the Ministry of Home Affairs The officials have been asked to submit a report within three days.
-PTC News