John Wilbert & Sarthak Kanjilall
Port Blair, September 09: All efforts to stop the spread of Corona virus in these Islands might go in vain after the opening of Wine Shops in Andaman. While police jawans have been posted infront of all Wine Shops to ensure that proper physical distancing is maintained but in many cases people can be seen making bee-line even before arrival of police. Today hundreds of people reportedly reached infont of the Mohanpura wine shop at 03:00 AM and booked their space by keeping bottles, stones, shoes etc.
As soon as the shutter of the Wine Shop was opened, the attitude of the customers were like ‘nothing doing’ with Corona, all they wanted was the alcohol, public alleged.
Mohanpura is already a busy area where thousands of people visit everyday to buy vegetables, fish and meat. Now this additional crowd somewhere is a major cause of concern.
Sighting this carelessness, many who have serious concern about their health demanded the administration to make the liquor available online.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, Mrs. Parvati, a responsible citizen of the Island said that making the liquor available online will help maintain physical distancing, generate revenue for the government, employ local unemployed youths and finally the customers will get the liquor at their door steps.
“Black marketing of alcohol and over charging on every bottle of liquor, which is also alleged in many places will stop automatically,” said Mr. Chander, a resident of the Islands.
If it is too difficult for ANIIDCO to develop an online portal for liquor sale, orders can be taken in WhatsApp number and payment can be received via payment gateways. The ANIIDCO can also tie up with all the new online shopping apps of Andaman and sell liquor through them. The only thing which is required here is willingness.
