Image Source: CNBC TV18

Thane, Pune and Nashik are among the 23 of the 36 Maharashtra districts that have been allowed to operate alcohol shops during the ongoing lockdown, according to the guidelines issued by commissioner of state excise. Retail shops are allowed to operate between 10 am and 6 pm, while maintaining social distancing and hygiene norms. Mumbai and Mumbai suburban districts were operating liquor shops before closing on May 5 by the order of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Chandrapur, Wardha and Gadchiroli have been classified as dry districts, while Aurangabad, Jalna, Beed, Nanded, Parbhani and Nagpur have declined to allow liquor shops to open during the course of the lockdown. Maharashtra is the worst-hit state in the country due to coronavirus. The western state has recorded nearly 26,000 cases and the death toll has reached 975. The country remains under lockdown until May 17, with the union government giving some leeway to the states if restrictions continue beyond Sunday. Maharashtra is among a handful of states to have indicated plans to continue with the lockdown beyond May 17.