The Delhi government has declared five dry days during the January-March period due to Republic Day and other important religious holidays. An order issued by the Excise Department in Delhi said liquor shops in the capital would remain closed on Republic Day (January 26), Maha Shivratri (February 15), Id-ul-Fitr (March 21), Ram Navami (March 26) and Mahavir Jayanti (March 31). These days will be treated as ‘dry days’ for excise license holders of various categories.
Do the restrictions apply to hotels?
However, the dry day liquor sales restriction will not apply to in-room alcohol service for guests staying at L-15 or L-15F licensed hotels.
The Excise Department grants these licenses to hotels that have a star rating and are approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
What is a dry day?
A dry day is a day when the sale of alcohol in licensed liquor stores, bars and restaurants is prohibited. These days are usually declared on national holidays, important religious occasions or during election periods.
In some cases, the ban is enforced nationwide, while in others it is limited to specific states or cities, depending on local customs and government regulations. While the sale and serving of alcohol is restricted, consumption in private spaces is generally not monitored.
The aim of declaring dry days is to preserve public order and respect cultural or religious feelings. Being aware of a dry day’s schedule in advance helps people plan events and social gatherings without inconvenience.
To stay informed, it’s a good idea to regularly check official government notices for updates on upcoming dry days.
Why are dry days declared?
Dry days are declared for several key reasons. These usually include public holidays such as Republic Day and Independence Day, major religious festivals observed by different communities, and in some cases elections or important public events.
The aim is to ensure peace, prevent law and order problems and show respect for the cultural and religious significance of these occasions.