Bengaluru: The Garuda Mall has been fined Rs. 20,000 by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for failing to enforce Covid-19 norms on its premises.

Following an inspection, the BBMP found that the mall’s authorities were not verifying that visitors had taken both vaccine doses. BBMP further said that Covid-19 appropriate behaviours such as physical distancing and wearing a mask were not being followed.

Dr. Balasundar A. S., BBMP Chief Health Officer, said that as this was the first incidence, a small fine was collected to warn other malls to follow Covid protocol. He explained that the BBMP had given a demonstration for malls on how to check vaccine status, so there is no excuse for failing to check whether or not visitors have been vaccinated.

He also said that if malls are found not checking vaccination certificates or ensuring social distancing, the BBMP plans to charge much higher fines in the future.