New Delhi, April 23 (TIWN) Pointing out that the states have already lost around Rs 20,000 crore in revenues during the lockdown period so far, the Indian alcoholic beverage industry has urged state governments to impress upon the Centre on the urgent need to start sale of liquor in non COVID-19 hotspots.

It has also sought opening of retail and on-trade (pubs, restaurants etc) establishments in non-COVID-19 hotspots and commencement of online sales and home delivery under strict government supervision to check overcrowding in shops and fulfil the criteria of social distancing.  In its letter to all Chief Ministers (barring states which are under prohibition), the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has stated that "Constitutionally alcohol is a state matter, and hence it is state government which should unequivocally be the only authority to permit or not permit trade in alcohol."  CIABC is the apex body of the Indian Alcoholic Beverage Industry with members including major Indian companies who manufacture and market their product range in India and abroad.