Bengaluru: During the lockdown, booze lovers have come to the rescue of the state government by providing more revenue to the State excise department.

The state government has allowed wine shops to run the business during lockdown from 6 am to 10 am across the state owing to mobilize the revenue. Booze lovers have given a helping hand to the state to generate more revenue, comparing normal days, during the lockdown, the excise department has earned 10% more profit, said Excise Minister K. Gopalaiah.

From April 1 to June 15, the department has earned an income of Rs. 4500 crore, compared to normal business days, it is more than 10% revenue to the department, the minister said.

The government has imposed a lockdown from April 27 to June 14. During this time, the department has earned more than 10% of its income.

Though the government has lifted the restrictions across the state, it did not allow to serve the liquor in bars and restaurants, clubs, and lodges. Thus department has predicted there is less income, but it has hoped that business will improve once the state lifts the lockdown completely.

After inaugurating vaccine drive for the 18 plus age group, Mr. Gopalaiah said that government will give the vaccine to more than 3000 people in the Mahalakshmilayout Assembly constituency. Celebrating Yoga will help to enhance the immune system in the body and it would help to fight against Coronavirus, Mr. Gopalaiah remarked.