Delhi Dry Days: The excise department of the Delhi government has announced that liquor shops across the national capital will remain closed for six days in the upcoming months of October and November. The directive issued by the department outlines the dates and reasons for the closures, which coincide with key national holidays and religious festivals.
In October, liquor shops will be shut on four days:
- October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti)
- October 12 (Vijaya Dashami)
- October 17 (Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti)
- October 31 (Diwali)
In November, there will be two dry days:
- November 15 (Guru Nanak Jayanti)
- November 24 (Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas)
The excise department’s order specifies that the closure of liquor shops is in line with the observance of these significant days. On Gandhi Jayanti, for instance, liquor shops traditionally remain closed across India as a mark of respect for the leader.
Similarly, major religious festivals like Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti, and Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas are also recognised with dry days.
The department clarified that no compensation will be provided to licensees for the suspension of liquor sales during these dry days. However, hotels possessing L-15 and L-15F licences will be permitted to serve liquor to their residents.
Liquor shop owners have been instructed to strictly comply with the order, and any violation could result in penalties. The order applies exclusively to the retail sale of alcohol, and not to consumption in hotels that meet the licensing requirements.