Delhi Declares Dry Days: No Liquor Sales on Key Festive Dates

Delhi's liquor stores will close on five occasions between January and March, including Republic Day and religious festivals like Maha Shivratri and Ram Navami, as directed by the Delhi Excise department. The ruling excludes hotels with specific licenses, which may serve liquor to residents.

In a current directive, the Delhi Excise department announced that liquor stores across the national capital will face closures on five specific days within the January to March span. This move coincides with the observance of Republic Day and significant religious festivals such as Maha Shivratri and Ram Navami.

According to the order released on Thursday, the stipulated 'dry days' fall on Republic Day (January 26), Maha Shivratri (February 15), Id-ul-Fitr (March 21), Ram Navami (March 26), and Mahavir Jayanti (March 31). These dates effectively ban the sale of alcohol to holders of various excise licenses.

However, the ban does not apply universally. Hotels possessing L-15 and L-15 F licenses are permitted to serve liquor to their residents. Additionally, all licensed vendors must display the 'dry day' notification prominently on their premises, ensuring the public remains informed.

(With inputs from agencies.)