In Delhi, all liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and clubs will remain closed on August 15th (Independence Day) and August 16th (Janmashtami). This restriction is due to the declaration of dry days under excise rules. The same rule will apply in Mumbai and Bangalore, while in UP, liquor sales will only be prohibited on August 15th.
New Delhi: The government's excise department has issued an order imposing a complete ban on the sale of liquor in the capital on August 15th and August 16th. During these two days, not only liquor stores but also bars, restaurants, hotels, and clubs will be prohibited from serving alcohol. This step has been taken under the dry day rules for Independence Day and Janmashtami. Similar two-day bans will be in effect in Mumbai and Bangalore, while in UP, liquor sales will only be closed on August 15th.
On which days are restrictions imposed?
Under the rules of the excise department, every year August 15th (Independence Day), Janmashtami, and October 2nd (Gandhi Jayanti) are declared as dry days. On these occasions, the sale and serving of liquor are completely prohibited throughout the city.
A special circumstance this year is that Janmashtami falls on the day immediately following Independence Day. As a result, a liquor ban will be in effect in Delhi for two consecutive days, i.e., August 15th and 16th.
What will happen in hotels?
The Delhi government's order clarifies that hotels, bars, and clubs will also not be allowed to serve liquor on these days. However, some select 5-star hotels and hotels recognized by the Government of India's tourism department will be allowed to serve liquor through room service in their rooms. But this facility will be limited only to staying guests, and open sale on the hotel premises will not be permitted.
Situation in UP, Mumbai, and Bangalore
- Uttar Pradesh (UP): There is some relief for liquor lovers here, as sales will only be prohibited in UP on August 15th. On Janmashtami, i.e., August 16th, liquor stores will remain open as usual.
- Mumbai: Like Delhi, liquor sales will be completely closed in Mumbai on both August 15th and 16th. Serving liquor in restaurants, bars, and hotels will also be prohibited here.
- Bangalore: Bangalore will also have a dry day for two consecutive days. A strict ban will be enforced on the sale and serving of liquor on August 15th and 16th.
Rush in purchases may increase
Before the two-day dry day, liquor stores usually see an increase in customer traffic. People stock up in advance so that there is no problem during the dry day. According to shopkeepers, sales see a significant increase on such occasions. This time too, it is expected that on August 14th, the pressure of shopping at Delhi's liquor stores and showrooms will be many times higher than on normal days.
