Beverage outlets witnessing long queues despite coronavirus fears

KOCHI: Long queues were witnessed in front of state beverages corporation outlets across Kerala on Tuesday despite the statewide lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. As tipplers thronged the outlets unmindful of the curfew, officials asked them to ensure that they kept a one-metre distance between them as part of preventive steps to check the COVID-19 transmission. Official sources said precautionary measures have been taken at the beverages outlets to prevent the virus spread.

It has been three years since the Kerala High Court had ordered to shorten the long queues in front of the beverage outlets. The court had also directed the Beverages Corporation to construct waiting areas in front of the outlets. However, the Beverages Corporation has not been able to implement this till now. The order was made by the court on a petition filed by a businessman against a Beverages outlet functioning near his establishment.