As soon as alcohol sale was allowed in Mumbai, thousands gathered outside liquor stores, violating social distancing norms. Looking at the commotion, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner pulled back on the decision. Soon, the sale of alcohol was banned in the city again.

However, the decision to prohibit the sale of alcohol was restricted to the western and eastern suburbs. Residents from Thane, Kalyan, Mira-Bhayander, Ulhasnagar, Navi Mumbai, Bhiwandi etc. were allowed to order alcohol online.

It is this ruling that several Mumbaikars are using to their advantage.

The lack of liquor sale has left many wanting for more. As a result, many people from Mumbai are taking the risk.

Mumbaikars Are Visiting These Hotspots To Get Alcohol

Many residents of Mumbai are travelling to Vasai, Virar, Palghar as well as to Bhiwandi highways to get their booze. This is because these faraway areas, which are a minimum of 30-50 km away from the main city, have their liquor shops open.

Since the sale and purchase of alcohol are still allowed in these areas, many have gone one step further to get alcohol. They’re asking their friends living in these areas to order it online from them, with Mumbaikars planning to pick their booze from their friends’ houses later on.

“I haven’t gone that far to get alcohol. But my dad contacted his colleague who works there. So he bought a couple of crates of beer and got it till our place when he was visiting for some official work” said Aarshi*, who managed to get booze despite it not being available for sale in her locality.

Authorities Seizing Vehicles Trying To Get Liquor Into The City

However, after reading this you too feel the need to take the long drive to get yourself some alcohol, don’t! The police and other authorities have gotten aware of the tactic, with the crackdown on such activities already underway.

Vilas Chaugule of Waliv police station revealed that liquor worth Rs 80,000 has been confiscated already. We have seized several vehicles from Ambadi road in Vasai that were used to carry booze,”

Another senior police inspector also reported that the majority of those who’re caught are from the northern and western suburbs of Mumbai, where buying alcohol is prohibited right now.

So if you’re in Mumbai and looking to get alcohol, you may be able to get it from theses faraway areas. However, keep in mind the risks. At this point, the safest place to stay in your homes and the best thing is to wait for the alcohol a bit more!