Maharashtra allows some hotels to take new liquor stock

NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra government has allowed hotels with FL III licences to take in new liquor stock and sell it till the lockdown gets over, reports Anumeha Chaturvedi.
The state’s excise commissioner Kantilal Umap issued an order to this effect on Thursday. The department also permitted both residents and incoming guests in hotels to consume alcohol within hotel premises.

This comes after the state had on Monday allowed hotels and other accommodation providers to resume operations with restricted entry and at 33% capacity outside containment areas from July 8.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), part of the national body Federation of Hotels & Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI), had said it expected 25-40% of hotels across Maharashtra to reopen in the first week.

HRAWI said it has asked its members to adhere to the standard operating procedures as outlined in the Covid-19 guidelines specifically designed for the hospitality industry. The association said that with travel restrictions still in place and with a lot of hotel staff unavailable, the initial phase after reopening may remain subdued.