The first phase of online sale of liquor inAssam, which came into force with immediate effect, has been limited to theGuwahati Municipal Corporation(GMC) area, the stateexcise departmentsaid on Friday. It will be extended to other parts of the state gradually.

A notification issued by the excise department stated that the step has been taken due to the Covid-induced restrictions imposed by the government as well as theSupreme Courtand the Madras permitting non-direct sale to avoid overcrowding.

The online sale of all Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL)/beer/country spirit in retail OFF shops in the Guwahati Municipal Corporation areas has been introduced, a government statement said. There are 306 IMFL OFF shops in Guwahati.