Diwali 2026: When will liquor shops remain closed during the festive week? Check dates of dry days in Delhi, UP, Maharashtra | Today’s news
Liquor shops in all states in India will be closed on Diwali 2026. According to the latest reports, a dry day will be observed in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and others on Sunday, November 8. Besides, liquor shops, bars and restaurants in these states have also been instructed not to serve alcohol throughout the day.
What is a dry day? Why is it followed?
On dry days, the sale of alcohol, including country liquor, Indian Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer, is prohibited in government, private and model liquor shops. Restrictions are imposed by the state government on occasions of national, religious or social importance, which may vary from state to state. During this period, the sale and distribution of alcohol is prohibited according to applicable rules and regulations.
The sale and, depending on government regulations, the dispensing or serving of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Diwali 2026 Drought Date Restrictions
Quick answers to key questions
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The dry day is Sunday, November 8, 2026. Liquor shops in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are to remain closed on that day.
The sale of alcohol is prohibited in state, private and model liquor stores. Depending on government regulation, the ban may also cover the delivery or serving of alcoholic beverages.
Regular bars and restaurants are not allowed to serve alcohol on a declared dry day; in Delhi, UP and NCR can serve food and soft drinks. Public bar areas must remain closed, although a hotel exemption applies.
In Delhi, hotels with L-15 and L-15F licenses can serve alcohol to guests staying in their rooms. In Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, four-star and five-star hotels with a special license can serve guests only through room service.
The article states that liquor shops in the listed states will operate during their normal opening hours on Dhanteras, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj as these dates have not been designated as dry days.
According to a report by NDTV profit, regular pubs, bars and restaurants in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and the NCR region will be allowed to serve only food and soft drinks on the declared dry days. However, some devices are said to be exempt from the restrictions under certain conditions.
Who can serve alcohol on Diwali in Delhi, UP, Maharashtra
In Delhi, hotels with L-15 and L-15F licenses can serve alcohol to guests staying in their rooms, the report added. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, four- and five-star hotels with a special license are allowed to serve liquor to guests only through room service.
However, the exception does not apply to their public bars, which must remain closed on a dry day.
The coming dry days of this year
The dry day schedule for the remaining months of the year includes the following:
Delhi: Liquor shops will remain closed on November 8 (Diwali), November 24 (Guru Nanak Jayanti) and December 25 (Christmas).
Uttar Pradesh: The state will observe the same three dry days with all liquor shops remaining closed across the state.
Maharashtra: November 8 (Diwali) has been declared as a dry day during which liquor will not be allowed in distilleries, wine shops and bars.
Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and other states: Liquor shops will remain closed on November 8 as part of a religious festival.
Liquor shops in these states will otherwise operate during their normal business hours on Dhanteras, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj as these days have not been designated as dry days.
Failure to follow the guidelines on dry days may result in penalties for violations. Businesses found to be selling or serving alcohol in violation of the restrictions face fines along with the possibility of their liquor licenses being suspended or revoked.
