The Odisha government has permitted bars, beer parlours and clubs to re-commence their services after nine months with strict adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines following improvement in the pandemic situation, official sources said.

Though the state government had earlier allowed opening of liquor outlets and home delivery of alcohol across the state, it had prohibited the opening of bars and clubs.

The government after careful consideration in the exercise of powers conferred under section-93 of the Odisha Excise Act-2008 allows the consumption of liquor in the Restaurant 'ON' / Hotel 'ON'/ Beer Parlour 'ON' and Club 'ON' outside the containment zone with immediate effect, a notification issued by the Excise Department said on Wednesday, said.

The state government also asked the liquor serving facilities to adhere to the guidelines and Standard Operating Procedure fixed by the Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the light of the COVID-19, it said. Local police and excise officials have been asked to remain alert while District Collectors have been empowered to close the shops in case of violation of COVID-19, the notification added.

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