West Bengal: Three hours business window brings relief for retail shops – Times of India

KOLKATA: The Bengal government on Monday allowed stand-alone shops, including those selling liquor, to operate for three hours — noon to 3pm — from Tuesday. Retailers have welcomed the announcement from chief minister Mamata Banerjee. On May 28, Banerjee had announced the extension of restrictions till June 16.
Curbs on retail had been enforced on May 16 to stem the surge in Covid cases across the state. Only grocery stores and daily essential markets were allowed to operate from 7am to 10am. With a decline in the number of infections since the curbs came into effect, the state has now announced some relaxation to other shops. Owners of off-shops are now awaiting an Excise department order. There are 350 bars (on-shops) apart from over 1,500 off-shops and country spirit shops in Kolkata.
It is, however, unclear if retail shops in civic markets will be allowed to open and whether grocery stores can do business twice a day — in the morning and in the afternoon.
The relaxation comes as a huge relief to households, too. “We had trouble with the sudden announcement of restrictions. At home, our domestic helps stopped coming and I was desperately looking for a sturdy mop with a handle. But all the hardware shops were shut. My son required paper to complete his project for school, but that was held up as well. I think many have faced similar problems. This three-hour window will be of great help,” said Sayantan Ghosh, a college teacher from Jadavpur.
Confederation of West Bengal Traders’ Association president Sushil Poddar said the association had made an appeal to the CM three days ago, highlighting the sector’s woes and seeking relief. “Since everyone is not conversant with online recharge of mobile phones, many elderly citizens trying to stay in touch with their children who live elsewhere over phone have been facing a problem. Others want to buy some non-essential items, including stationery. This three-hour window will help them,” said Poddar.
Publishers and Booksellers’ Guild also welcomed the announcement. Guild general secretary Suhanshu Shekhar Dey expressed gratitude towards the CM for responding to their appeal positively. “The opening of book stores will be of immense help to publishers, book lovers, students, scholars, readers and writers,” he said.