- As the entire country observed stringent lockdown measures with due diligence, there were scores of people who were literally left high and dry alongside people from all walks of life irrespective of professions or standing in the society. Yes, they are none other than hardcore tipplers who were subjected to undergo such adversities that many resorted to committing suicides for want of liquor. Might appear an extreme aberration but precious lives were indeed lost precisely for not finding means to partake the bubbly.
PC: India tv News
- Efforts were indeed afoot by few State Governments to provision the spirit keeping in mind the mounting chorus for allowing the liquor to be served over authenticate prescription from Doctors. Ostensibly, this measure was being contemplated to overcome severe withdrawal symptoms experienced by alcoholics who were found to be extremely desperate to quench strong cravings. Suddenly, liquor was being looked up to as some sort of an elixir instead of combating the dreaded pandemic hell-bent on creating havoc all around.
- In the absence of even a semblance of economic activity, the excise department too was consistently mounting pressure on the State Governments to impress upon the Union Government to allow the sale of liquor to ensure a steady stream of revenue. We are all aware that the excise earnings contribute significant revenue to the exchequer, and it was a matter of time before the Union Government bowed to the pressure at an opportune time. Lo and behold! The Government’s latest guidelines allowed the sale of liquor excepting containment zones.
PC: ET
- No sooner the announcement was communicated, liquor outlets sprang to life with jaw-dropping energy and enthusiasm on one hand and on the other hand, despairing consumers cannot stop rejoicing since then. TV channels as usual did their bit by broadcasting an incessant stream of visuals showing liquor outlets gearing up to commence selling by erecting barricades and other paraphernalia to ensure social distancing norms. Graphics of people offering prayers at many outlets too were beamed relentlessly adding to the buzz.
PC: CDC
- Point to ponder over here is whether the respective Governments have jumped the gun in allowing the sale of liquor discounting the fact that infection rates are gradually climbing up, if not alarmingly across the country. Appears, industriously carried out hard work till now will be rendered infructuous in the event of an unwelcome spike in the numbers owing to one such move. Serpentine queues being witnessed everywhere suggests social distancing norms and restrictions on unnecessary movements are blatantly compromised. Are we waiting for a disaster to strike?
