Meghalaya Govt warns closure of liquor shops violating social distancing

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 4, 2020

The state government has taken strong cognizance against violation of social distancing norms at liquor stores as it warned closure of such establishments if they failed to take measures to prevent overcrowding in their respective premises.  

In a statement issued on Monday, State’s Cheif Secretary MS Rao said that it was observed that on the first day of the relaxation of lockdown, there was open violation of physical distancing norms, especially at the liquor stores and even inside private vehicles. 

He said violation of physical distancing norms was also noticed at some government offices.

Stating this might derail the efforts of the state’s Covid-19 containment strategy, the CS said stern action will taken against violators. 

“Any person violating physical distancing norms including not wearing masks in public areas shall be strictly acted upon as per provisions of law u/s 269 and other relevant sections of lPC,” he said. 

“Therefore, proprietors of shops and other establishments should take appropriate measures to prevent people from crowding and breaking social distancing norms in their respective premises,” Rao added.

The CS was also apt when he announced that failure to enforce the above norms would warrant closure of the shops and establishments. 

He also directed the administrative heads of government offices should also enforce the mentioned norms.