No question of opening liquor stores till lockdown is over: Bommai

Bengaluru: Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday, April 1 clarified that the state government was not planning to open liquor stores till the lockdown period is in force.

“The state is facing a health crisis owing to coronavirus pandemic. The government is not contemplating to open liquor stores under any circumstances at the moment,” Bommai said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending a meeting convened by chief minister BS Yediyurappa to address hardships faced by citizens, particularly the farmers due to the lockdown.

“The present situation is too bad and requires monitoring. If liquor stores are opened, in such circumstance the task of controlling those under influence of alcohol will be tough. Nothing will happen if people stop consuming alcohol for few days,” he said.

Responding to reported suicides by tipplers, Bommai said there was no proof to show that suicides were on rise owing to non-availability of alcohol.

Meanwhile Revenue Minister R Ashok evoked peals of laughter from reporters commenting “Till lockdown is over, Enne Nimdu, oota matra namdu,” (implying that the food is on me and you guys arrange for the liquor). The line is taken of Kannada film song,”Enna Namdu Oota Nimdu.”