Image Source: THE FEDERAL

Tipplers in Chhattisgarh can now get liquor home delivered. The state government has launched a web portal and a mobile app where customers can place their orders, thereby not having to step out during the COVID-19 lockdown, an official said. The move is aimed at preventing crowding at liquor outlets, as was witnessed on Monday when the liquor outlets opened in several states, including Chhattisgarh, after over a month of dry spell due to the nationwide lockdown. However, wine shops, which were closed since March 23, located in containment zones and shopping malls in the state did not open. The opening of those in other areas came after the Centre relaxed some restrictions during the third phase of the lockdown.

Ordering on CSMCL portal

The portal launched in Chhattisgarh has been named after the state-run CSMCL (Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited), which controls the sale of liquor in the state, a public relations department official here said. But a large number of people queued up outside liquor outlets in the state capital Raipur and other districts, defying the physical distancing norms. The official said, “The state government allowed online sale of liquor so that crowding at wine shops can be discouraged.” People can place orders directly through the portal or its mobile app available on the Play Store. However, this home delivery facility will not be available in Raipur and Korba districts which are not classified as green zones, the official said. The Union government has classified districts as red, orange and green zones based on the COVID-19 risk profiling. People will have to register their mobile number, Aadhaar number and address for placing order online which will be confirmed through an OTP (one time password). A customer can order up to 5,000 ml of liquor at a time for home delivery, the official said, adding that the delivery charge is ₹120.