New rules for bars after re-opening

The Excise Department has issued several guidelines for licensed liquor shops to be followed when they are reopened after the ongoing quarantine curfew is lifted on September 21. All licence holders have been ordered to take action to maintain the social distance in front of the liquor outlets and prevent unnecessary crowding and provide the customers with fast service in order to prevent possible gatherings.

Excise Department's spokesman, Commissioner Kapila Kumarasinghe said Regional Excise officers have been instructed to take action against those who fail to comply with these guidelines.