The Odisha government has decided not to allow home delivery of liquor during the 14-day lockdown that began on Wednesday.

On Wednesday morning the government had indicated that it was mulling the idea of starting home delivery of liquor to prevent black marketing and sale of spurious liquor in the state.

Principal secretary, excise, S.K. Lohani had earlier told The Telegraph: “New retailers have come up. We are examining the demand. Everything will be clarified within two days. Just wait.”

However, Lohani confirmed late on Wednesday evening through a text message that “Home Delivery (of liquor) is not permitted.”

Sources said the excise department took the decision following objections in some quarters in the government including from the special relief commissioner’s office.

Sources said the state government felt that it would face stiff criticism from civil society members if it allowed home delivery of liquor.

However, all emergency services are allowed during the lockdown period. The state has allowed opening of all essential shops, including those selling vegetables, fish and milk. People are allowed to walk to the nearby markets to purchase essential items.

Food supplies and consumer welfare minister Ranedra Pratap Swain warned against hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities during the lockdown period. “Direction has been issued to all the officials to visit the markets and ensure that there is no black marketing. We will take stern action against hoarders and blackmarketers,” Swain told reporters.

In order to check the spread of Covid-19, the state government has decided to serve food packets at the Aaahar centres (where affordable meals are provided) to people at subsidised rates in capital Bhubaneswar instead of allowing them to eat rice, dal and curry at the centres.

Odisha reported 9,889 fresh Covid-19 cases on Wednesday pushing the infection tally to 489,641.

Khurda district reported the highest number of cases on Wednesday with 1,331 people infected with Covid-19.