If you haven’t received any vaccine shot for Coronavirus, or if you don’t have a negative RT-PCR test report, then you won’t be able to buy liquor in this state.
Will this help to contain the spread of Covid-19?
How will the liquor shops implement this move?
Keep reading to know more!
Kerala: No Liquor For Unvaccinated Buyers
Kerala Govt has decided to impose a strict rule at all the liquor shops across the state: Only vaccinated buyers or buyers with negative RT-PCR report will be allowed to buy alcohol.
Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) has announced these new rules and most of the liquor stores have already placed this message at their shops.
Bevco was forced to make this move, after Kerala High Court scolded the Govt over crowded liquor stores, and such a rush can trigger more infections.
Kerala is already at #1 position in reporting new Covid cases, as more than 40-50% of new cases being reported are from Kerala since last few weeks.
What Are The Rules To Buy Liquor?
As per the new rules shared by Bevco and Govt of Kerala, a buyers of liquor should have:
- Received atleast one vaccine shot
- Or Received both the vaccine shots
- Or have a negative RT-PCR report, done atleast 72 hours prior.
Only buyers who fulfill these conditions will be allowed to buy liquor.
How Consumers Reacted
Buyers of alcohol in Kerala aren’t amused by this new diktat.
They are questioning the Govt, asking how they can get vaccines if there are no free vaccines available?
A consumer told Mathrubhumi News, “This does not seem like a good move. Either the government should provide vaccines for all or we will have to get vaccinated taking money from our own pockets,”
Meanwhile some liquor shops are claiming that they haven’t received any official notification, and business is as usual for them.
As per reports, ever since this new rule came into force, liquor stores are witnessing less crowd.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.