The Assam Government on Saturday allowed the wholesale vends offoreign liquor and country spirit across the state to operate with immediateeffect.

Also, all Indian-made foreignliquor (IMFL) "Off" and country spirit "off" shops located in districts underGreen Zone are allowed to open with immediate effects, stated the order signedby the Additional Commissioner of Excise, Assam.

"Off" here refers towine shops that only sell liquor, "on" shops refer to shops that sellliquor and the consumption is allowed on the shop premises – such as bars andrestaurants.

Besides these relaxations amidthe coronavirus-enforced lockdown, transportation of liquor consignments isalso allowed as per the provisions of Assam Excise Rules, 2016, stated in theorder.

However,it added that all concerned licensee shall apply social distancing norms andother guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Indiawith regards to the lockdown on May 1.