Heavy rush for liquor island wide

By Ranjith Rajapakse, Shantha Chandrasiri and Anisha Manage  

A heavy rush was experienced at liquor shops in several areas where curfew had been relaxed yesterday. The Department of Excise had decided to allow the reopening of liquor shops . The police had to control the large crowds that flocked at the liquor outlets and created a heavy rush without least concerned about the health guidelines on preventing Corona virus.  

Thousands of estate workers, who flocked to liqour shops in a beeline, were not wearing masks or adhering to the instructions on social distancing. It was with great difficulty that the police could bring the rush under control. Police had taken steps to allow the customers to reach the liquor shop counters in small groups despite ignoring the possible health hazard during the pandemic situation. Similar situation was experienced at liquor shops in several other areas.